Kandhamal (Orissa), Apr 8: Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi said that the Naveen Patnaik-led Biju Janata Dal (BJD) government has destroyed peace in Orissa.

"Clashes took place in the name of religion in Kandhamal and elsewhere as the non-Congress government in the state was responsible for the spread of disharmony and hatred," he said at an election meeting in this district.

Rahul also said that when the Congress was in power, Orissa was an isle of peace.

and Alleging that the present state government had failed to ease the troubles of tribals, farmers and downtrodden, he said, "I have travelled many states, but Orissa happens to be the poorest of all. Dalitstribals are the worst hit in this poverty stricken state."

Terming the Congress as a 'friend of tribals', he said the Centre had ensured tribals land rights law.

"Though the UPA Government has pumped in huge funds, the state could not utilise it properly while it failed to properly implement welfare programmes including NREGS and the mid-day meal scheme," he added.

Rahul asserted that the UPA had fulfilled all promises made before the2004 elections.

Kandhamal District witnessed the killing of several Christians and the burning of several houses and churches following the murder of VHP leader Laxmanananda Saraswati.

On Aug 25, a 29-year-old Catholic nun was allegedly raped and a priest assaulted at Baliguda during a shutdown in Orissa.

ANI