Bhubaneswar, June 20: In a grand celebration marking the first anniversary of the BJP-led government in Odisha, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a large public gathering in Bhubaneswar, announcing development projects worth over Rs 18,600 crore. These projects cover key sectors such as health, agriculture, education, drinking water, irrigation, infrastructure, and clean energy.
Describing June 20 as a “special day,” PM Modi hailed the completion of one year of Odisha’s first BJP government under Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi as a milestone in “good governance, public service, and deep-rooted public trust.” He praised the people of Odisha for their faith in the BJP and commended the state leadership for their commitment to uplifting every section of society.
“This is not merely the anniversary of a government, but a celebration of transformation,” PM Modi declared. He commended Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and his cabinet for establishing a strong foundation of transparent and efficient governance that is focused on the people and ready for the future.
PM Modi Rejects Trump’s Invitation to Visit Odisha, the Land of Mahaprabhu Jagannath
In a powerful personal anecdote, PM Modi revealed that he had declined an invitation from then-U.S. President Donald Trump to visit Washington after attending the G7 Summit in Canada. “I told him I must visit the land of Mahaprabhu Jagannath. So I came here,” he stated, drawing loud applause. He began his speech with “Jai Jagannath” and greeted the audience with “Juhar,” establishing an emotional connection with the people of Odisha.
The Prime Minister highlighted the spiritual significance of the day, noting that the anniversary coincides with preparations for the revered Rath Yatra festival. He hailed Lord Jagannath as a symbol of faith and inspiration and acknowledged the state government’s swift action in reopening all four gates of the Shree Jagannath Temple and unlocking the Ratna Bhandar.
“This is not a political triumph but an act of faith and reverence,” PM Modi said, underscoring the temple reforms as a fulfilment of a long-standing demand by devotees.
PM Modi Criticises Congress and BJD
PM Modi took a sharp dig at previous regimes led by the Congress and BJD, attributing decades of underdevelopment, corruption, and misgovernance to them. “The Congress model of governance stalled development and encouraged corruption,” he asserted.
He drew comparisons with northeastern states, noting how states like Assam and Tripura, once plagued by violence and instability, have now become examples of peace and progress under BJP governance. The Prime Minister remarked that Odisha too had suffered from neglect and poverty under past governments, with farmers, tribals, and the poor left to struggle without adequate state support.
“The double-engine government—BJP at the Centre and in the State—has brought double benefits to Odisha,” Modi said, emphasising that the synergy between central and state schemes is transforming the state’s development landscape.
Massive Boost to Health and Welfare Schemes
The Prime Minister highlighted key welfare initiatives, noting that previously, lakhs of poor families were excluded from health coverage under Ayushman Bharat. However, with the integration of the Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana, nearly 3 crore people now have access to free medical treatment.
He added that over 2 lakh patients have received services not only in Odisha but also across 12 other states. “Such access to medical care was unimaginable a year ago,” he remarked.
PM Modi also emphasised the Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana, which now provides free treatment up to ₹5 lakh for over 23 lakh senior citizens aged above 70 in Odisha. “This has greatly reduced the financial burden of healthcare for the elderly,” he stated.
The Prime Minister further highlighted the benefits of PM-KISAN, stating that Odisha’s farmers, who were previously deprived of central assistance, are now receiving full support. “We promised higher MSP for paddy, and lakhs of farmers have already benefited,” he added.
Revolutionising Primary Education: Godabarish Mishra Adarsha Vidyalaya
In a visionary move to uplift grassroots education, PM Modi launched the Godabarish Mishra Adarsha Prathamika Vidyalaya initiative. The scheme aims to establish one model primary school in each of the 6,794 Gram Panchayats in the state.
Named after the eminent Odia educationist and freedom fighter Pandit Godabarish Mishra, these schools will be inclusive, tech-enabled, and aligned with the Right to Education Act (2009) and the National Education Policy (2020). The goal is to ensure quality education for every child in rural Odisha.
Empowerment of Tribal Communities a National Priority
Addressing the historical neglect of tribal populations, the Prime Minister reiterated his commitment to tribal upliftment. “Before 2014, over 125 tribal-dominated districts were under Naxal influence. Today, that number has dropped to under 20,” he noted.
ପୂର୍ବରୁ ଯେଉଁ ଆଦିବାସୀ କ୍ଷେତ୍ରକୁ ରେଡ୍ କରିଡର ନାଁରେ ବଦନାମ କରାଯାଉଥିଲା, ଆମେ ସେଠାରେ ବିକାଶକୁ ଦ୍ରୁତ ଗତିରେ ପହଞ୍ଚାଇବାର କାମ କରିଛୁ । pic.twitter.com/3kvNPe2Wr8
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 20, 2025
In his speech, PM Modi discussed two flagship schemes for tribal welfare:
Dharati Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan – Targeting development in over 60,000 tribal villages, this scheme includes building houses, roads, and providing electricity and clean water. Forty residential schools are currently under construction in 11 districts of Odisha alone.
PM Janman Yojana – Inspired by Odisha’s tribal legacy and with guidance from President Droupadi Murmu, this scheme focuses on Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), bringing infrastructure and opportunities to isolated tribal hamlets.
Odisha: A Shining Star of India’s Heritage and Development
“Odisha is not merely a state, but a shining star of India’s rich heritage”, exclaimed Modi, highlighting that for centuries, Odisha has enriched Indian civilization and culture. He noted that in today’s time, when the mantra of development and heritage has become the foundation of India’s progress, the role of Odisha has grown even more significant. The Prime Minister stated that in the past year, Odisha has wholeheartedly embraced the mantra of development alongside preserving its legacy, stressing that the state has advanced rapidly on this path.
बीते एक वर्ष में ओडिशा ‘विकास भी और विरासत भी’ के मंत्र को आत्मसात कर ना सिर्फ प्रगति के पथ पर तेजी से आगे बढ़ा है, बल्कि विकसित भारत के संकल्प को भी सशक्त करने में जुटा है। pic.twitter.com/Z6VT8gEL5s
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 20, 2025
Empowering Women and Fisherfolk
Applauding women’s empowerment in Odisha, the Prime Minister celebrated over 16.5 lakh Lakhpati Didis, self-reliant women who have achieved financial stability through self-help groups and entrepreneurship.
For Odisha’s coastal communities, PM Modi announced substantial support through the PM Matsya Sampada Yojana and the extension of Kisan Credit Cards to fishermen. He also unveiled a special ₹25,000 crore coastal infrastructure fund aimed at modernising ports and boosting youth employment in coastal areas.
Infrastructure Development: Rail, Roads, and Clean Energy
In a historic moment, Prime Minister Modi inaugurated new train services to Boudh district, connecting it to India’s railway network for the first time. This long-awaited development is expected to stimulate economic growth in the region.
The Prime Minister also launched 100 electric buses under the Capital Region Urban Transport (CRUT) system to promote eco-friendly and modern urban mobility.
Industrial Push: Transforming Odisha into a Petrochemical Hub
The Prime Minister announced a massive ₹1.5 lakh crore investment to establish Odisha as India’s next petroleum and petrochemicals hub. Key projects include:
- A dual-feed cracker and downstream unit in Paradip
- A crude oil storage facility in Chandikhole
- An LNG terminal in Gopalpur
These projects are expected to attract MSMEs, boost exports, and create lakhs of jobs.
पेट्रोकेमिकल्स से लेकर टेक्सटाइल तक ओडिशा एक बड़े इंडस्ट्रियल स्टेट के रूप में स्थापित हो, हम इस दिशा में निरंतर प्रयास कर रहे हैं। pic.twitter.com/BA7cNxe2qK
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 20, 2025
Vision 2036 and Vision 2047: Long-Term Roadmaps
The highlight of the event was the unveiling of the Odisha Vision Document, a forward-looking development roadmap aligned with two historic milestones:
2036: Centenary of Odisha’s statehood
2047: India’s 100 years of independence
The Vision Document outlines goals in education, healthcare, employment, technology, and industry. PM Modi described it as “highly ambitious” and expressed confidence in the potential of Odisha’s youth to achieve these goals.
“We are not just thinking of one-year or five-year achievements. We are building for the next several decades,” the Prime Minister stated.
ओडिशा की विकास यात्रा को ध्यान में रखते हुए जिस विजन डॉक्यूमेंट को तैयार किया गया है, वो राज्य के उज्ज्वल भविष्य का रोडमैप बनने वाला है। pic.twitter.com/s6ftQ6jsUI
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 20, 2025
Cultural Revival: Baraputra Aitihya Gram Yojana
In an emotional tribute to Odisha’s cultural icons, PM Modi launched the Baraputra Aitihya Gram Yojana. This initiative aims to transform the birthplaces of eminent Odias into cultural heritage villages, featuring interpretation centres, statues, museums, and public libraries.
This project seeks to boost cultural tourism and preserve Odisha’s legacy for future generations.
Concluding his address with a warm “Juhar” and “Namaskar,” PM Modi reaffirmed his government’s commitment to building a prosperous, inclusive, and future-ready Odisha. “Together, we will take Odisha to new heights,” he declared.
Dignitaries present at the historic event included Odisha Governor Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, and Union Ministers Jual Oram and Dharmendra Pradhan, marking a new benchmark for Odisha’s political and developmental narrative.
