Rahul Gandhi in Poll Mode, kicks off campaign from Orissa's Tribal Belt

Congress leader and heir to 'Gandhi' legacy, Rahul Gandhi kicked off his "Discovery of India" tour from the tribal belt of Orissa. He has chosen the poorest region of the country - Kalahandi and Koraput to launch an aggressive election campaign.

Rahul earlier visited the poverty and starvation hit Kalahandi region and launched a scathing attack on the ruling BJD-BJP government for alleged non-implementation of NREGS. He listed the achievements of the UPA government in the Centre and assured the people that Congress would continue to work for development of the poor and tribals.

Rahul first visited a watershed project at Tangripada hamlet under Sinapali Block of Nuapada. He lamented that though the country is making rapid progress, regions like Kalahandi are still lagging behind in getting facilities in health, education and employment because the state government has failed to implement the NREGS in a proper manner. Addressing a huge gathering in Bhawanipatna, Rahul declared himself as the soldier for adivasis (tribals). He also went to Niyamgiri Hills area and had an interaction with the Dongria Kandh tribe.

Later, Rahul Gandhi visited Nabarangpur and addressed a student gathering. He interacted with school students and answered their queries. Mr. Gandhi then flew to Damanjodi in Koraput district and met some local tribals there. He will continue to tour different parts of the state until March 10.