Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid foundation stones for development projects worth over ₹47,000 crore during his visit to Odisha on Saturday. As reported by multiple sources, the projects include a ₹25,000 crore Bharat Coal Gasification and Chemicals Ltd project, power infrastructure upgrades worth ₹17,117 crore, and two railway multi-tracking projects worth over ₹732 crore: the Hindol-Meramunduli line and the Jakhpura–Jajpur Keonjhar Road–Baitarani Road line. The announcement aligns with the Centre's 'Purvodaya' vision for developing Eastern India and represents a significant boost to Odisha's industrial and infrastructure development.
Speaking at the public event in Mayurbhanj district, Modi emphasized that decades of deprivation faced by tribal populations are being replaced by new opportunities in education, healthcare, livelihoods and social advancement. According to multiple reports, he highlighted the historic significance of appointing Droupadi Murmu as India's first tribal woman President and Mohan Charan Majhi as Odisha's first tribal Chief Minister. Modi asserted that tribal communities are becoming active partners in India's development journey, noting that tribal communities make up 23% of Odisha's population compared to 8% nationally. The Prime Minister praised the state government's achievements and said Odisha is witnessing rapid progress under Majhi's leadership.
The event marked a significant milestone as President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati and the chief minister shared the same stage in the President's hometown. Modi extended birthday greetings to President Murmu on her 68th birthday, calling her journey from a remote tribal village in Mayurbhanj to the country's highest constitutional office symbolic of dedication, public service and faith in the democratic system. He described her as an embodiment of sacrifice, service and commitment, noting that her life story has become a source of inspiration for women across the country. During his visit, Modi had earlier visited her nearby village, Pahadpur, which he described as a privilege.
Modi announced that President Murmu's native village of Pahadpur will be developed as a renewable-energy-powered 'Surya Gram' with modern infrastructure, symbolizing the administration's commitment to rural and tribal advancement. According to multiple reports, this development will be powered by renewable energy and equipped with modern public infrastructure. The Prime Minister described the village development as a privilege and noted that a daughter of Mayurbhanj today occupies the nation's highest constitutional office, making the announcement particularly significant for tribal communities in the region.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi addressed the massive public gathering to celebrate two years of BJP government in Odisha and 12 years of NDA government at the Centre. The chief minister thanked Modi for his consistent support for Odisha, pointing out that the Prime Minister has visited the state eight times since the BJP assumed power in Odisha in June 2024. Majhi highlighted the government's welfare initiatives including the Subhadra Yojana for women, Chief Minister Kanya Vivah Yojana, Kanya Sumangal Yojana, Kisan Samruddhi Yojana for farmers, Godavarish Mishra Adarsh Prathamika Vidyalaya Yojana for students, Shri Jagannath Darshan Yojana for senior citizens and implementation of the Ayushman Bharat health scheme. The event was attended by other dignitaries including Deputy Chief Ministers Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo and Pravati Parida.
