Prime Minister Narendra Modi made headlines on Friday after revealing he turned down an invitation from US President Donald Trump to visit the United States. The reason? His commitment to Odisha, which he called the “land of Lord Jagannath.” Speaking at an event in Bhubaneswar, PM Modi emphasized the spiritual and political significance of his visit, marking one year of the first-ever BJP government in the state.
“At a time when Odisha’s BJP government is completing one year, the people are preparing for the Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra,” PM Modi shared. The Prime Minister highlighted how the state holds immense importance for him personally and politically. His refusal of Trump’s invitation underscored this priority.
“I told the President of America, Thank you for the invitation, but it is important for me to go to the land of the Lord,” he said. The audience erupted in applause as he connected his visit to Odisha’s cultural and religious significance.
During the event, PM Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for multiple development projects worth over Rs 18,600 crore. These projects spanned critical sectors like drinking water, irrigation, health infrastructure, and transportation. The Prime Minister framed the occasion as not just a political milestone but a celebration of good governance.
“This anniversary is not merely that of a government, but of the establishment of good governance devoted to public service and public trust,” he stated. His speech reinforced his administration’s focus on development, contrasting it with the previous Congress-led governance.
PM Modi didn’t hold back in criticizing the Congress party, accusing it of decades of “developmental neglect, corruption, and misgovernance.” He painted a stark picture of the past, describing the Congress era as one marked by “stalling, misguiding, and massive corruption.”
In contrast, he highlighted BJP’s achievements, particularly in improving security and healthcare. Odisha’s integration of the Ayushman Bharat and Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana schemes now provides free medical care to nearly 3 crore people. The Prime Minister also took pride in the government’s efforts to curb Naxalism, emphasizing progress in tribal regions.
“Naxalism will be eliminated, and it’s a Modi’s guarantee!” he declared, rallying support for his administration’s efforts. His remarks were met with cheers as he promised continued development and stability for Odisha and its people.
The event showcased PM Modi’s ability to blend spiritual symbolism with political messaging. His decision to prioritize Odisha over a high-profile US visit resonated deeply with locals, reinforcing his image as a leader who values cultural heritage and grassroots governance.
As Odisha prepares for the grand Rath Yatra, PM Modi’s presence and promises have added a new layer of significance to the celebrations. The state, long overlooked in past regimes, now finds itself at the center of national attention, thanks to its renewed political and developmental focus.