Refused Trump invite as I had to visit land of Jagannath: PM Modi

US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi (File Image)
BHUBANESWAR: PM Modi Friday said he had to say 'no' to US President Donald Trump's invitation to drop by in Washington on his way back from Canada, where he had gone for the G7 summit, as he did not want to miss his scheduled visit to the "land of Lord Jagannath", reports Ashok Pradhan.
While Majhi's first anniversary as CM was on June 12, the Odisha govt timed the main celebration on Friday in sync with the PM's schedule. Any change in plan could have put the govt in an awkward position in a state where BJP swept the Lok Sabha polls, winning 20 of the 21 seats, and stormed into office by winning 78 of the 147 assembly seats.
Speaking at a rally in Bhubaneswar to mark one year of Mohan Charan Majhi-led BJP govt in Odisha, PM Modi said, "The President of United States called me, saying, 'Since you are in Canada, please come over.
We will have a meal together and talk.' I thanked him and politely declined, saying that visiting the land of Mahaprabhu (Lord Jagannath) was essential for me. The devotion for Mahaprabhu and your love drew me here."
In what was Modi's sixth visit to the state in the past one year, the PM praised Odisha's progress under the BJP govt, emphasising the state's role in India's cultural and economic development. He highlighted initiatives aimed at improving infrastructure, healthcare, and economic opportunities for the people of Odisha, particularly tribal communities.
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Attacking the previous Congress regimes, the PM said the party which governed India for decades had neglected the tribal community and "used them merely for political benefits".
He said over 125 tribal-dominated districts were affected by Maoists for years. "Most of these districts were declared backward, and the then govts did not take the responsibility to develop them," Modi said. In contrast, the BJP-led govt freed tribal society from Naxal violence, ushering in development in these areas.
The PM also highlighted the role of eastern India in the country's growth trajectory. "The development of 21st century India will gain momentum from eastern India. This is the era of Purvodaya."

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