Bhubaneswar: Following a spectacular victory in the Odisha assembly elections six months back, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said his govt won the trust of the people through concerted social welfare initiatives even when the BJP was not in power in the state and asserted his commitment to ensuring Odisha gains global prominence.
Speaking at a public gathering, the PM said the results of the Maharashtra and Haryana elections instilled a sense of confidence in BJP nationwide, adding, "Odisha began this journey, showcasing the strength of BJP and its workers."
Modi said months before the elections in Odisha, political experts dismissed had BJP, claiming it couldn't become a significant force or form a govt independently. But when the results came, those who considered themselves experts were surprised.
"The people of Odisha recognised the central govt's efforts and the connection with them, even from Delhi, reaching every village and home over the past decade. Even when we weren't in power in the state, our schemes were renamed, yet we continued working diligently for Odisha's development," the PM said.
The central govt, with an unprecedented representation of Odia people in the cabinet, never considered whether the state govt was aligned with it, he said. Modi's first two cabinets had two ministers from Odisha, and the current one has three.
To highlight Odisha's growing importance, Modi said the three-day DGP/IGP conference is being held in the state for the first time in more than a century since it became an annual event. Similarly, Bhubaneswar will host the prestigious Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in Jan for the first time, marking a significant milestone in the state's international prominence. Additionally, the Navy Day celebrations will be held in Puri on Dec 4, showcasing India's naval strength on the Blue Flag beach.
"Odisha should feel proud to host global guests. Together, we'll enhance Odisha's reputation. Since the double-engine govt formed, Odisha has experienced unprecedented development across sectors. Thousands of crores are being invested in infrastructure projects, benefiting everyone," Modi said. He also emphasized his govt's focus on tribal welfare, particularly mentioning PM Janman Yojana, benefiting 13 tribal communities in Odisha.
The PM detailed various development initiatives, including the Subhadra scheme for women's economic empowerment and improvements in paddy procurement rates to Rs 3,100 per quintal. He spoke about Mission Purvodaya and the Utkarsh Utkal Abhiyan, aimed at unlocking the state's mineral wealth and attracting new industries.
"Odisha is becoming a global focal point," Modi stated, highlighting the ongoing infrastructure projects worth thousands of crores and improvements in sectors like sports, education, and startup ecosystem development.
The PM also addressed the state's welfare schemes, emphasizing efforts to provide housing for poor families and ensure water connectivity to every household. He reiterated his govt's commitment to poverty alleviation and improving living standards across Odisha.