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PM Narendra Modi to attend BJP govt's first anniversary celebrations in Odisha on June 20
BHUBANESWAR: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to attend the first anniversary celebration of the Mohan Charan Majhi-led BJP govt in Odisha on June 20. This event will conclude the nine-day celebration starting June 12, when Majhi took the oath last year.
This anniversary marks a pivotal milestone for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which defied expectations by forming a govt in Odisha for the first time, challenging the predictions of many political analysts. For chief minister Majhi, this occasion is not only a testament to his leadership but also a personal triumph, as he rose from humble beginnings as a sarpanch to the state's highest office.
The BJP is keen to leverage this anniversary to highlight its achievements over the past year, portraying it as a period of remarkable success.
Among the initiatives being showcased are the state govt's Rs 800 bonus per quintal of paddy and the "Subhadra" cash incentive scheme, which provides Rs 5,000 annually to approximately one crore women.
These programmes are being positioned as key accomplishments of the Majhi administration, which also fulfilled several other emotive and symbolic poll promises, such as the opening of four gates of the 12th-century Jagannath temple in Puri.
Majhi, who succeeded Naveen Patnaik after his 24-year tenure as chief minister, is working to establish himself as a 'people's CM.' His approach contrasts sharply with that of his predecessor, as he emphasises accessibility and engagement with the public.
His participation in a marathon 12-hour debate on the Odisha University Amendment Bill, 2025, exemplifies his commitment to governance and legislative processes.
Naveen was often criticised for skipping assembly when he was CM.
Revenue and disaster management minister Suresh Pujari confirmed that Prime Minister Modi will attend the event on June 20, following a request from the CM. Although the anniversary falls on June 12, the Prime Minister's schedule necessitated a later visit.
'The celebrations will span from June 12 to June 20, with various programmes planned to engage the public and highlight the govt's vision for the future,' he said.
The anniversary celebrations will include a press conference by the Chief Minister, discussions with intellectuals, and the unveiling of a Vision document for 2036 and 2047. These events aim to reinforce the BJP's strategic goals and long-term plans for Odisha.
The CM earlier announced the aspiration for Odisha to become a US $1.5 trillion economy by 2047 and US $500 billion by 2036, which requires a 9.2% growth rate.
District-level programmes will also be organised to ensure widespread participation and engagement.
Prime Minister Modi's visit will be his sixth to Odisha since Majhi assumed office, underscoring the importance of the state in the BJP's national strategy. During a recent visit to Delhi, Majhi personally invited the Prime Minister to attend the anniversary, highlighting the significance of this event for both the state and the party.
As preparations continue, the BJP is poised to use this anniversary as a platform to consolidate its position in Odisha and demonstrate its governance capabilities.
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