Angul, Mar 9: Congress party general secretary and Lok Sabha MP from Amethi, Rahul Gandhi, who is on a four-day tour to Orissa, on Sunday unveiled a statue of his father and late Prime Minister, Rajiv Gandhi.

He also inaugurated a park named after his father and planted a sapling at the park in memory of his visit.

Rahul Gandhi will also visit Angul's Nalco Swelter Plant. Late Rajiv Gandhi dedicated Nalco to the nation.

It may be recalled that the Congress party, particularly Sonia Gandhi had vehemently opposed and argued in parliament against Nalco's disinvestments during the NDA regime.

Later in the day, Rahul, on his third day the tour, will also address a public rally at Berhampur in Ganjam District.

Rahul, who aims to visit interior areas of the State to understand and feel the problems being faced by the farmers, tribal people and the youth, spent his night in a tribal village of Koraput district on Saturday.

The residents complained to him about the indifferent attitude and lack of cooperation from the authorities.

Rahul expressed that although development was important, but it cannot be at the cost of nature and the tribal identity.

Hailing the tribal's as preservers of natural wealth and knowledge, the Congress leader urged them to take up the role of leadership in the society.

Rahul on Saturday visited a remote village called Ejurpa in the Niyamgiri forest area and promised support to the tribals for their agitation against the proposed bauxite mining from the hills.

Rahul’s visit to Orissa's underdeveloped Kalahandi area on Friday assumes significance, as a controversy has arisen over a project to mine for bauxite in the Niyamgiri hills. (ANI)