rime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing a large public gathering at Janata Maidan in Bhubaneswar on Thursday, revealed that he respectfully declined an invitation from former U.S. President Donald Trump. Modi explained that during his return from the G7 Summit in Canada, Trump had extended a personal invitation for a visit to the United States. However, Modi chose to honor his prior commitment to the people of Odisha. “President Donald Trump called and invited me to visit the United States on my way back from Canada. With humility and respect, I declined, as I was already scheduled to be here today—in the sacred land of Lord Jagannath, Odisha,” he said to thunderous applause from the crowd. His visit marked the first anniversary of the BJP government in the state.
Upon his arrival in Bhubaneswar, PM Modi received a warm welcome from Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, and senior BJP leaders. A vibrant roadshow followed, with the Prime Minister waving to thousands of enthusiastic supporters lining the streets. At the rally, he reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to Odisha’s development and cultural pride. As part of the event, Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for development projects worth over ₹18,600 crore. These initiatives span key sectors including drinking water supply, irrigation, agriculture infrastructure, health care, rural connectivity, national highways, eco-friendly urban mobility, and a new railway line.
In addition, PM Modi unveiled the Odisha Vision Document, which outlines the state’s long-term roadmap for inclusive growth. It is strategically aligned with two landmark milestones — 2036, marking Odisha’s centenary as India’s first linguistic state, and 2047, the centenary of India’s independence. As a cultural tribute, he also launched the ‘Baraputra Aitihya Gram Yojana’ to transform the birthplaces of notable Odias into living heritage sites. This initiative will include museums, statues, libraries, and public spaces that honor Odisha’s rich legacy while boosting cultural tourism. Modi also celebrated the achievements of over 16.5 lakh ‘Lakhpati Didis’ — women who have become symbols of prosperity and self-reliance — by felicitating women achievers from across the state.
