Prime Minister Narendra Modi revealed on Friday that he had declined an invitation from former US President Donald Trump for a dinner meeting in Washington, prioritizing his visit to Odisha. Speaking at a public event in Bhubaneswar to commemorate the first anniversary of the BJP government in Odisha, Modi explained his decision, emphasizing his commitment to the "land of Mahaprabhu," referring to Lord Jagannath.

Modi stated that he was in Canada for the G7 Summit when President Trump extended the invitation. According to Modi, Trump insisted that he stop by Washington for dinner and a conversation on his way back. However, Modi respectfully declined the offer, explaining that visiting Odisha was of greater importance to him. He told President Trump that he was grateful for the invitation, but it was essential for him to visit the land of Mahaprabhu. He told the crowd that their love and devotion to Mahaprabhu brought him to Odisha.

During his visit, Modi inaugurated 105 projects worth Rs 18,600 crores for the state, underscoring Odisha's vital role in India's heritage and development. He highlighted that the BJP government in Odisha had fulfilled the long-awaited demands of the people by reopening the four gates of the Puri Jagannath temple and its 'Ratna Bhandar' (treasury).

In his address, Modi also launched a scathing attack on the Congress party, accusing them of deliberately keeping tribal communities underdeveloped and branding their regions as the “red corridor” for political gains. He alleged that the Congress party, which ruled India for decades, had neglected the tribal community and used them merely for political benefits. He added that tribal-dominated regions were intentionally left backward during the previous regimes and that the BJP is working to uplift these communities.