Odisha marching forward under Majhi govt: PM

Bhubaneswar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday showered praises on the Mohan Charan Majhi-led BJP govt in Odisha for its achievements over the past year while criticising the previous govts for not doing enough for the state and its people.
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The PM also slammed the Congress model of governance, which he said had never made life easy.
Speaking at an event here to mark one year of the BJP govt in Odisha, PM Modi said, "In the past year, Odisha has embraced the mantra of both vikas (development) and virasat (heritage) and has moved forward rapidly."
Modi, who inaugurated and laid foundation stones for projects worth over Rs 18,600 crore, pointed out that development of entire eastern India, including Odisha, gained momentum after the BJP govt came to power in the state a year ago.
He also said that from Paradip to Jajpur, the industrial sector is expanding in the state. "This is benefiting the minerals and port economy in Odisha. The state is rapidly moving towards becoming India's petrochemical hub," the PM said.
Modi, who released the Odisha Vision 2036 and 2047 documents prepared by the state govt, appreciated the fact that the BJP govt is not limited to just one year's achievements or thinking about five years.
"It is working on what will happen in Odisha's development road map for the coming decades. The state govt has made a special plan for when Odisha will be 100 years old in 2036. The govt also has a road map for 2047, when the country completes 100 years of independence," he said.
Adding that many challenges have been identified, the PM said, "I have firm faith. The talented and vibrant youth of Odisha will achieve every milestone.
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Together, we will lead Odisha to new heights of development. With this promise, once again, many congratulations to all of you."
Criticising the Congress, Modi said its governance model did not make life easier for people. "Delaying and obstructing simple development projects was the hallmark of the Congress development model," Modi said.
Pointing out that the country has broadly witnessed the BJP's development model in recent years, with several states electing BJP govts for the first time, he said in all such states not only has the govt changed, but a new era of social and economic transformation has also begun.
He gave the example of Assam, which was marked by instability, separatism and violence a decade ago, and Tripura, which was lagging behind in development.
"Today, Assam is on a new path of development… After decades of Leftist rule, people gave BJP a chance for the first time in Tripura. Everyone was troubled by violence and corruption. Since BJP got the opportunity to serve, Tripura is becoming an example of peace and progress," he said.
Returning to Odisha, Modi said the state has also faced numerous problems for decades. The poor and farmers were not receiving their due rights. "Corruption was rampant, and many areas in Odisha were falling behind in development. These challenges became Odisha's misfortune. To address these challenges, the BJP govt has worked with full strength over the past year. The double-engine development is showing its benefits," he said.
Modi said Odisha has a large tribal population, but unfortunately in the past, the tribal community faced neglect, backwardness, poverty and deprivation. "The party that ruled for a long time used the tribal community for political purposes without providing them development or participation," he said.

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