Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Saturday described Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the state as a “double bonanza,” highlighting a massive infrastructure boost alongside key economic reforms aimed at empowering youth, women, and the underprivileged.
The PM’s visit, which coincides with the observance of Seva Paksha (Service Fortnight), saw the unveiling of development projects worth over Rs 60,000 crore in Jharsuguda.
Addressing a packed gathering at the ‘Namo Yuva Samabesh’ at Amlipali Ground in Jharsuguda, CM Majhi said, “Today is a day of celebration for Odisha. On this sacred occasion of Seva Paksha, we are fortunate to have the world’s most popular leader among us. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s presence not only inspires us but brings with it historic opportunities for our state’s growth.”
Majhi recalled that it was on the same date eight years ago — September 22, 2017 — that PM Modi had inaugurated the Veer Surendra Sai Airport in Jharsuguda.
“That airport has now become a symbol of progress in Western Odisha. And today, the same region is witnessing a transformative push under your leadership,” said CM Majhi.
The Prime Minister launched several major infrastructure and industrial projects, including the Amrit Bharat Express train from Berhampur to Udhna (Surat), laid the foundation stone for a 5-km flyover in Sambalpur-Sarla that was built at a cost of Rs 273 crore, and inaugurated the doubling of the Koraput–Baiguda and Manabar–Koraput–Gorapur railway lines. Additionally, PM Modi inaugurated over 97,500 4G telecom towers using BSNL’s indigenous technology, laid the foundation for the expansion of eight IITs, and launched skill development centres.
Among the other key announcements were a semiconductor park, the upgradation of MKCG Hospital in Berhampur and VIMSAR in Burla into super-specialty hospitals, and the establishment of a port-based SEZ in Ganjam. The Prime Minister also distributed 50,000 work orders under the Antyodaya Gruha Yojana aimed at providing housing support to the economically weaker sections.
Calling this a “double bonanza” for Odisha, CM Majhi said the second major gift from the PM was the rollout of Next Generation GST Reforms, which are particularly beneficial during the festive shopping season of Durga Puja.
“While other states see peak retail activity during Diwali, in Odisha, it is during Durga Puja. This makes the GST Savings Festival immensely impactful. The benefits are reaching everyone — from small vendors to middle-class families,” Majhi stated. He also mentioned that the Odisha Legislative Assembly had recently passed a motion of thanks for this policy move.
Focusing on the youth, CM Majhi said that PM Modi had become the “greatest icon for Indian youth” since 2014. “The youth are at the heart of your development model. Whether it is education, employment or entrepreneurship, your initiatives are shaping a confident new generation,” he added.
The Chief Minister also lauded PM Modi’s strong stance on national security, referencing ‘Operation Sindoor’ and the surgical strikes following the ‘Pulwama’ terror attack.
“You have redefined India’s security doctrine. Your resolve sends a powerful message: ‘Chhedenge nahin, magar chhodenge bhi nahin.’ This new wave of patriotism among our youth is thanks to your leadership,” Majhi remarked.
Majhi further cited the Prime Minister’s emotional connect with Odisha and Mahaprabhu Shree Jagannath, saying, “Since our government took office, you have visited Odisha seven times. Last year, you celebrated your birthday with a tribal mother who offered you khiri (sweet rice pudding). That gesture deeply moved the people of our state.”
He also praised Modi’s commitment to environmental protection through the campaign ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’, launched on the PM’s birthday last year. “This year, we pledged to plant 75 lakh saplings. But the people of Odisha surpassed expectations by planting 1.5 crore trees, a reflection of the respect they hold for you,” the CM said.
Recalling the Prime Minister’s address at the Make in Odisha – Utkarsh Odisha event earlier this year, Majhi referred to the slogan “Yahi samay hai, sahi samay hai” (This is the time. The right time.) and noted that Odisha had since seen the foundation laying of 84 industrial projects worth over Rs 2 lakh crore, expected to generate over 1.64 lakh jobs.
“Under your visionary Purvodaya initiative, Odisha is now central to India’s eastern development roadmap,” said the Chief Minister, adding that the state is progressing rapidly under Modi’s leadership and aspires to become a prosperous and industrially advanced region.
Quoting the Prime Minister’s poem recited after the Balakot air strikes, Majhi said,
“Saugandh hai mujhe is mitti ki,
Main desh nahin mitne dunga,
Main desh nahin rukne dunga,
Main desh nahin jhukne dunga.”
“These lines are not just poetry — they are a pledge that inspire our youth to keep pushing forward toward a stronger India,” he added.
In his closing remarks, CM Majhi said Odisha stands committed to PM Modi’s vision of making India a developed nation by 2047.
“The entire youth of the state stands with you, with one spirit, one determination, and one goal — to serve the nation,” he said.
The event was attended by several key leaders, including Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati, Deputy CM Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram, Deputy CM Pravati Parida, Revenue & Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari, Health Minister Dr. Mukesh Mahaling, and BJP State President Manmohan Samal, along with several other state and Union ministers.
