Prime Minister Narendra Modi revealed that he declined an invitation from US President Donald Trump to visit the United States, choosing instead to travel to Odisha, referring to it as the "Land of Lord Jagannath." He made this statement while addressing a rally in Bhubaneswar, marking the first anniversary of the BJP government in Odisha.
Modi stated that he was in Canada for the G7 summit when President Trump invited him to Washington for dinner and discussions. However, he "humbly rejected" the offer, explaining that visiting Odisha was more important to him. He emphasized his devotion to Mahaprabhu Jagannath and the strong connection he felt to the people and the holy land.
The Prime Minister's decision to prioritize his visit to Odisha underscores the significance he places on India's cultural heritage and his commitment to fulfilling the needs and aspirations of its people. During his address, Modi lauded the BJP's governance in Odisha, specifically highlighting the reopening of all four gates of the Puri Jagannath Temple, including the Ratna Bhandar, its treasury. He emphasized that this decision reflected the government's dedication to respecting the faith of crores of devotees and addressing long-standing issues surrounding the temple.
Furthermore, Modi launched 105 development projects in Odisha, valued at over Rs 18,600 crores. These projects span various sectors, including drinking water and irrigation, health infrastructure, rural roads and bridges, national highways, and railway infrastructure. He also unveiled the "Odisha Vision Document" and flagged off new train services, demonstrating his government's commitment to the state's progress and prosperity.
The Prime Minister also took the opportunity to address the first anniversary of the BJP government in Odisha, congratulating Chief Minister Mohan Majhi and his team. He emphasized that the anniversary marked not just a year in power, but a year dedicated to good governance, public service, and public trust. He contrasted the BJP's approach with that of the Congress, accusing the latter of neglecting tribal communities and intentionally keeping tribal-dominated regions underdeveloped for political gain, branding their regions as the "red corridor". He asserted that the BJP has instead focused on bringing peace and growth to such regions, citing examples like Assam and Tripura.
Modi's decision to decline President Trump's invitation also comes in the wake of recent discussions between the two leaders regarding India-Pakistan relations. Modi clarified that the cessation of hostilities between the two countries was a result of bilateral dialogue, dismissing any suggestion of US mediation or a trade deal being linked to de-escalation.
