Raipur, June 15 (IANS): Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi on Monday said that tribals must be asked for their permission before their land is taken away from them for any purpose.

Gandhi arrived at the Bilaspur airport on Monday, where he was welcomed by Congress workers. Later, he went to Madanpur village, in Korba district of Chhattisgarh, where he addressed the tribals and villagers.

Accusing the government of being a "suit-boot ki sarkar", Gandhi said that a nation's welfare must include the tribals' welfare too.

"Our party will always support poor people. Lands are being taken away from the farmers forcibly and we are totally opposed to this. Forests are an integral part of tribals' and farmers' livelihood, and if forests vanish, then farmer's livelihood would also vanish. We want a government that works for the welfare of the under-privileged section of the society," added Gandhi.

Gandhi discussed various issues with the farmers and assured them that the Congress party will keep fighting for their rights.