Rahul Gandhi to address rally in riot-hit Kandhamal today

Kandhamal, Apr. 8 (ANI): Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi will address a rally in Orissa's riot-hit Kandhamal District today.

During his visit, Rahul will attend meetings at Baliguda in Kandhamnal and Dharmagarh in Kalahandi districts.

The district administration has strengthened security at Baliguda, the epicentre of last year's communal riots.

According to sources, the BJP has decided to bring Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi to divert the people's attention from Rahul's address on the same day.

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 August 25, a 29-year-old Catholic nun was allegedly raped and a priest assaulted at Baliguda during a shutdown in Orissa. (ANI)