PM Modi Declines Trump's Invite, Highlights Commitment to Odisha's Growth
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing a massive public rally in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, on Friday, showcased his vision of inclusive development, commitment to the nation, and firm leadership. In a striking moment during his speech, Modi revealed that he had politely declined an invitation from former U.S. President Donald Trump, choosing instead to visit Odisha and pay respects at the land of Lord Jagannath.
“Just two days ago, I was in Canada for the G7 Summit. Then, former U.S. President Donald Trump called and extended a strong invitation to visit Washington. But I told him—visiting the land of Lord Jagannath is more important for me,” Modi said, drawing loud applause from the audience. His statement was seen as a reflection of both his spiritual connect and prioritization of national engagements.
Criticism of Congress’ Development Model
In a fiery segment of his speech, PM Modi sharply criticized the Congress party's decades-long rule post-independence. “The country experienced the Congress model for many years, which was marked by lack of governance, stalled development, and systemic corruption,” he said. “Delays, misguidance, and neglect were the hallmarks of their model. In contrast, the BJP has ushered in a new era of governance, with fast-paced development across the nation.”
Transforming Eastern India
PM Modi emphasized the transformative progress in Eastern India, citing states like Assam and Tripura as examples. “Decades of militancy in Assam have been curtailed. Tripura, once dominated by Left rule and plagued by violence and corruption, is now a beacon of peace and progress,” he declared.
Historic Initiatives for Tribal Development
A major highlight of the speech was the government’s efforts toward tribal welfare. Modi elaborated on two landmark schemes:
‘Dharti Aaba Janjati Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan’
‘PM Jan-Maan Yojana’
“These initiatives, inspired by freedom fighter Birsa Munda, aim to uplift over 60,000 tribal villages, with over ₹1 lakh crore allocated for housing, roads, electricity, and clean drinking water,” the Prime Minister said.
He further announced that 40 residential schools are being established across 11 districts in Odisha, with major investments from the central government. “The inspiration for the PM Jan-Maan Yojana was Droupadi Murmu, the daughter of Odisha and the country’s first tribal woman President,” Modi added with pride.
A Vision That Will Not Stop
Concluding his address, the Prime Minister affirmed the continuity of the BJP government’s development agenda. “If there is stability in the country, development gains momentum. The last decade is a testament to that. This pace of progress will not stop. The BJP is committed to taking it forward with the same resolve,” he said.
The speech in Bhubaneswar has not only reignited national political discourse but also underscored the BJP’s focused strategy in Eastern India ahead of the upcoming elections.