Rahul Gandhi backs Jairam's 'no' to Vedanta

LANJIGARH (ORISSA): Two days after Jairam Ramesh withdrew environmental clearance to bauxite mining and the alumina refinery project in Orissa, Rahul Gandhi on Thursday flew to the Niyamgiri Hills to claim his share of the victory against Vedanta.

The strong message from Rahul against Vedanta is being seen as a signal of the UPA governments less-than-enthusiastic view of London-based tycoon Anil Agarwal's aggressive plans to expand operations in India.

"Some say the MoEF's decision to temporarily withdraw clearance to Vedanta is anti-development. It's not. Here, the voice of tribals was being suppressed," said the 39-year-old Congress leader, now sporting a beard. "Now, there are two Hindustans, one of the rich whose voice reaches everywhere; the other of the poor whose voice is seldom heard. When I say I will be your sipahi in Delhi, my job is not done; it's just the beginning.

Reiterating his pledge made in Kalahandi in 2008, he said: "You've been fighting for your rights peacefully. Your voice has reached New Delhi. You've saved your land, mountain and religion. I extended help in whichever way I could."