A Warm Welcome to Modi Ji

THIS afternoon, the beloved Prime Minister of the country, Shri Narendra Modi Ji, arrives in Odisha. On behalf of four and a half Crore Odias, I extend a heartfelt welcome to him on this sacred land of Lord Jagannath. This visit holds a special significance Modi Ji completes 11 years of dedicated service as the Prime Minister of India, while I complete my first year as the Chief Minister of the State of Odisha.

- MOHAN CHARAN MAJHI, CHIEF MINISTER, ODISHA

In the past year alone, Modi Ji has visited Odisha five times. With today's visit, it becomes his sixth visit since the formation of the double-engine Government in the State. Remarkably, Prime Minister Modi Ji has visited Odisha more times than the total visits of all previous Prime Ministers combined.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji's frequent visit to Odisha signifies his unique sense of devotion to Lord Jagannath and love for the State of Odisha. As an MLA, I got chances to meet Modi Ji at party meetings and Government programmes. But during the last one year, I have not only been fortunate to meet him on several occasions, but also felt his vision for the accelerated economic growth of Odisha.

Being involved in social and political activities since my childhood, my concern always remains to make people's lives qualitative and make them happy and prosperous. I tried to reflect people's aspirations in various capacities as a RSS member, a teacher in the Saraswati Shishu Mandir, a Saranpanch, an MLA and an opposition leader in the State Assembly. In the two-and-a-half decades, since I came to the Assembly as an MLA in year 2000 and became Chief Minister in 2024, I have dedicated myself to public service by forgetting my personal life.

Now, I bear the responsibility of leading Odisha's development. My journey of over three decades - built on experience, knowledge, and unwavering commitment to public welfare - has shaped my vision. Above all, the BJP's development model and Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji's leadership have inspired me with new resolutions. On this path, I am not alone 4.5 Crore Odias walk beside me. If each of us takes one step forward, together we will move ahead 4.5 Crore steps.