Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha and Congress MP, on Wednesday accused authorities of large-scale land encroachment, environmental destruction, and administrative corruption in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. He alleged that the rights of tribal communities and environmental protections are being seriously weakened. The Raebareli MP also claimed that both settlers and tribal communities are not receiving fair compensation for the land being taken from them.

While speaking to reporters in Vijayapuram, Gandhi said that people’s land is being taken away and handed over to large business groups, including Adani and other major industrialists. He further alleged that the Forest Rights Act is not being properly implemented in the islands and that India’s heritage is being quietly stripped away. He added that his party would work to make the country aware of the situation and protect the people of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Gandhi also raised concerns about governance in the region, pointing to issues such as water shortages and alleged corruption on the part of the Lieutenant Governor. He criticized the administration, saying it functions like a monarchy, where the LG acts like a king and remains inaccessible to the public. According to him, despite naming his residence and office “Lok Bhavan,” the LG does not meet citizens, which he described as undemocratic and disrespectful to the public.

Highlighting environmental concerns, Gandhi described the situation as a case of “ecological theft.” He said the primary issue is the large-scale destruction and theft of valuable trees and the grabbing of land, emphasizing that this is the central concern in the islands. Gandhi also criticized the Centre’s development plans in Great Nicobar, alleging that the project involves massive deforestation and the displacement of local communities. He called it one of the biggest scams against India’s natural environment and tribal heritage.

Gandhi said that after visiting Great Nicobar, he was deeply moved by its ancient forests and the beauty of its people, including both indigenous communities and settlers. However, he alleged that these communities are being deprived of what rightfully belongs to them. He further claimed that the government’s so-called development project would lead to widespread ecological damage, including the destruction of around 160 square kilometres of rainforest and the loss of millions of trees. Gandhi accused the authorities of ignoring local communities while taking away their homes and land.

Calling the initiative “destruction disguised as development,” he strongly opposed the project and urged citizens across the country to pay attention to what is happening in Great Nicobar. He concluded by describing it as one of the gravest crimes against India’s natural and tribal heritage in recent times and insisted that it must be stopped.