Bhubaneswar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday lauded the BJP-led Odisha government, saying the double-engine government had ushered in a historic phase of progress, with the state moving rapidly on the path of development under the leadership of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.
Addressing a gathering during the event marking the state government’s two years in office at Rairangpur in Mayurbhanj district, PM Modi said, “Under the leadership of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Odisha is today moving rapidly along the path of development. Welfare schemes aimed at the poor are transforming the lives of ordinary people across the state. Odisha is increasingly emerging as a destination for economic activity, investment, and industrial growth. Rapid efforts are being made to create new employment opportunities.”
He added that the vision of the Central Government is to ensure the development of India as a whole through the development of eastern India. That is why we are working with the policy of Purvodaya (Rise of Eastern India). The Prime Minister further said that the vision of the Central Government is that the development of eastern India will drive the development of India as a whole.
“That is why we are working with the policy of Purvodaya (Rise of Eastern India),” the PM added. Targeting the opposition Congress, PM Modi said, “The eastern region of India, which had been reduced to a symbol of backwardness during the Congress era, is now emerging as a gateway to progress. Odisha itself is witnessing and contributing to this transformation.”
The Prime Minister stated that Odisha possesses a vast coastline, rich mineral resources, strong agricultural potential, and, above all, an immensely talented youth population.
“To fully harness this potential, we are working together in a coordinated manner. As a result, Odisha is witnessing record investments in railway infrastructure. New roads and economic corridors are being developed, ports are being expanded, and investments are flowing into sectors such as energy, semiconductors, green energy, and modern industries,” PM Modi said.
Highlighting important development projects worth nearly Rs 47,600 crore unveiled during the programme, the Prime Minister stated, “These initiatives will bring significant benefits to the people in the areas of electricity, roads, railways, healthcare, and education. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the people of Odisha on these projects.”
PM Modi said the BJP government is transforming Odisha’s resources into opportunities and driving industrial growth in the state. He noted that investment proposals worth nearly Rs 20 lakh crore have been received under campaigns such as Utkarsh Odisha, while several mega projects worth over Rs 3.5 lakh crore are currently under implementation. He stated that one of the greatest strengths of a double-engine government is that it reaches out directly to the people.
The PM also highlighted several major welfare and development schemes being implemented by the state and Central governments over the past two years, which are enhancing the lives of people across the state.
“Friends, we have two important milestones ahead of us. In 2036, Odisha will celebrate the centenary of its formation, and in 2047, India will mark 100 years of Independence. This means that the aspirations of Odisha and the aspirations of India are moving in the same direction. A stronger Odisha will contribute to a stronger India. I have immense faith in Odisha’s potential. Together, we must take Odisha to new heights of development,” said PM Modi.
Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister also praised President Droupadi Murmu on her birthday on Saturday, stating that the daughter of Mayurbhanj district has assumed the highest constitutional post in the country.
