The campaigning for the Lok Sabha Elections 2024 as well as the State Assembly Election has gained momentum as Prime Minister Narendra Modi has addressed two public meetings in Dhenkanal and Cuttack, Odisha. Addressing the huge gathering, the PM stated, “BJD has given nothing to Odisha. Farmers, youth and Adivasis are still struggling for a better life. People who have destroyed Odisha should not be forgiven.”
Kickstarting the rally, PM Modi said, “During this election time, many experts from around the world are traveling across the country, gauging the pulse of Indian voters. Everyone is surprised and astonished by the public support and blessings. Everyone wants to bring back the Modi government for a third time, especially with the high enthusiasm of our mothers, sisters, and youth. Here, one slogan resonates: For the first time in Odisha... a double engine government!”
Seeing the sorry state of affairs in Odisha, PM Modi said, "Why are the people of such a prosperous Odisha so poor? The reason is the BJD government. Even small leaders in the BJD have become millionaires. The BJD government of Odisha has not let you benefit from the state's mineral wealth. Modi has created a new mining policy. Under this, Odisha gets more royalty. Modi has created a District Mineral Fund... so that a portion of every mineral extracted here is used for local development."
Questioning the Ratna Bhandar’s missing keys, PM Modi stated, “In the BJD government, even the temple of Lord Jagannath is not safe. For the last six years, there has been no trace of the key to the Shri Ratna Bhandar. A big secret behind this is being hidden by the BJD government and close associates of the Chief Minister. The entire Odisha wants to know what is in the investigation report that the BJD has suppressed it. The silence of the BJD is deepening people's suspicion. I assure you today that as soon as the BJP government is formed in Odisha, the truth will come out. The BJP government will make the investigation report public.”
“Those who are not sensitive to the heritage of Odisha cannot protect it either. Only the children of Odisha can drive the rapid development of Odisha. That is why Modi has given you a guarantee. Form a BJP government here, and the BJP will make a son or daughter of Odisha the Chief Minister of Odisha. And you know the date of the swearing-in ceremony, right? June 10th... On June 10th, the double-engine government will take the oath here,” he added.
Coming down heavily on the BJD, PM Modi remarked, “For the first time, the BJD government's flaws are being exposed to the entire nation. The state government is completely neglectful of tribal interests. We have created the Van Dhan Yojana for tribal families, purchasing forest products at MSP. There are over 3,500 Van Dhan centers across the country, with nearly 200 in Odisha, buying over 80 forest products at MSP. But what does the BJD government do? It doesn't even give you the correct MSP for forest produce. It's been 25 years, and the BJD government hasn't implemented the PESA Act for tribal land rights, leaving many issues unresolved.”
Further illustrating the BJD government's lax attitude, PM Modi asserted, “For instance, Modi sends money from Delhi to provide you with free rice, but BJD officials put their photos on it and sell your share outside. Therefore, the BJP has devised a significant plan for the women of Odisha. The Subhadra Yojana will greatly assist every sister in Odisha. Modi is also working to reduce your electricity bills to zero. The PM Surya Ghar-Muft Bijli Yojana is expanding rapidly, with the Modi government providing over ₹75,000 for solar panels on your homes, allowing you to use up to 300 units of free electricity and earn from the surplus.”
In his second public meeting in Cuttack, the PM criticized the BJD, stating, "Odisha is tired of their corruption. They deceive the poor with scams like chit-funds. What has the BJD delivered? Land, sand, coal, and mining mafias thrive under their MLAs and ministers. How can infrastructure, investment, and jobs flourish under such conditions?"
Speaking at the event, PM Modi said, “Modi government is focusing on education, skill development, and building a self-reliant India. In the last 10 years, Odisha has received institutions like IIM, IISER Berhampur and Institute of Chemical Technology - Bhubaneswar. Many such institutions have been established. From technology and textiles to ethanol, the Modi government has set ambitious goals in every sector.”
Also, PM Modi spoke about development and heritage, which are part of the BJP's agenda. He mentioned the G-20 summit held in Delhi, where world leaders posed for photos in front of the chariot wheel of the Konark Sun Temple. This event brought Konark's glory to the entire world.
“To ensure a double-engine government in Odisha, elect BJP candidates as MLAs and MPs, and send them to Bhubaneswar and Delhi respectively. Also, I urge you all to go door to door and convey Modi Ji's greetings and respects to everyone," said the PM.
Click here to read full text speech of Cuttack
Click here to read full text speech of Dhenkanal
People of Odisha entrusted the BJD government for 25 years... Today, they are introspecting on what it has gained in these 25 years.
— narendramodi_in (@narendramodi_in) May 20, 2024
Even today, farmers here are distressed.
Even today, young people migrate to other states for jobs. pic.twitter.com/IU9U5KWaOj
Under BJD's misrule, neither the wealth of Odisha is secure nor its cultural heritage is safe. pic.twitter.com/ds5k92da2a
— narendramodi_in (@narendramodi_in) May 20, 2024
Even the Jagannath Temple is not safe under the BJD government. pic.twitter.com/zvIbo8zEJw
— narendramodi_in (@narendramodi_in) May 20, 2024
BJD ने ओडिशा को क्या दिया?
— narendramodi_in (@narendramodi_in) May 20, 2024
Land mafia...Sand mafia... Coal mafia... Mining mafia…: PM @narendramodi in Cuttack
BJD के इस भ्रष्टाचार का बहुत बड़ा नुकसान आप नौजवानों को ही हो रहा है।
— narendramodi_in (@narendramodi_in) May 20, 2024
यहां से नौजवानों को पलायन करना पड़ता है।
BJD सरकार यहां निवेश के लिए उचित माहौल नहीं बना पाई: PM @narendramodi in Cuttack
