Prime Minister Narendra Modi will take part in the second anniversary celebration of the BJP government in Odisha, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced on Thursday. Speaking at an ABVP event in Bhubaneswar, Majhi said the Prime Minister's Office has confirmed plans for Modi's visit, for which he had met and invited the PM on Monday. "We have started preparations for the PM's visit," he said.
Possible Dates for PM's Visit
Majhi stated that he approached the PM to come either on June 12, when he took oath, or on June 20, or on the PM's birthday on September 17. "We have got a green signal from the PMO. But the exact date is not confirmed," he added. Modi had visited Odisha on June 20 last year to participate in the first anniversary of the Majhi government and also on September 17, 2024, to launch the Subhadra Yojana.
Preparations for the Anniversary
Earlier, Majhi reviewed the achievements of various departments with secretaries at a preparatory meeting ahead of the government's two-year completion. Progress in panchayati raj and rural development, health, and women and child development, among others, was discussed. A government officer said similar reviews with other departments will also be held in the coming days. Booklets detailing sector-wise achievements will be released during the anniversary programmes from June 12 to 21.
Low-Key Celebrations Planned
The government has announced that celebrations will be kept low-key in view of the fuel crisis triggered by the West Asia conflict. The government plans a wide outreach through print, electronic, and social media, alongside booklets, to highlight how people are benefiting from welfare schemes.
Themes and Focus on Villages
Officials said the state will mark its two-year completion on June 12, with programmes at state and district levels until June 21, centred on seven themes: Shakti Odisha, Prosperous Agriculture Odisha, Healthy Odisha, Infrastructure Odisha, Excellence Odisha, People's Power Odisha, and Skilled Odisha. Keeping in mind the large rural population, the government has been focusing on villages. "The village is the identity of Odisha's soul, culture, and pride. To provide the village with modern amenities, dignity, and a new direction toward prosperity, the 'Model Village Mission' has been launched. Through this historic step, rural areas will be transformed into centres of self-reliant and self-governed prosperity. Every village will develop with basic facilities, improved infrastructure, and modern community spaces," the CM shared in a social media post.
BJP Leaders Praise Government Performance
Meanwhile, BJP national general secretary Arun Singh lauded the state government's performance over the past two years. "It's a double-engine government. Under the PM's guidance, Odisha is progressing across sectors under Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi. The Subhadra scheme has benefitted over one crore women. Development is visible even in remote areas, and those earlier neglected are now gaining," he said, adding that people are satisfied with the government's performance. Singh said the BJP would govern the state for at least the next 30 years, while its two years' achievement is more than what the BJD did in 24 years.
