Bhubaneswar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is slated for a three-day visit to Odisha from November 29 to December 1.
Modi’s forthcoming visit to Odisha is drawing attention to the state once again. It marks his most extended stay in a state where the BJP has recently established a government for the first time.
During his three-day stay, he will participate in the conference of directors-general of police (DGPs) and inspectors-general of police (IGP). The visit also carries political significance as Modi is scheduled to meet with party leaders. This meeting is set against the backdrop of the BJP’s recent defeat in the Jharkhand Assembly elections, a neighbouring state of Odisha, where the former Chief Minister of Jharkhand, Raghubar Das, currently serves as the Governor of Odisha.
The visit aims to reinforce the BJP’s stronghold in Odisha and to deliver a strategic message to party workers in adjacent states like Jharkhand, where grassroots reinforcement is necessary. In the recent Assembly elections, the BJP excelled in Maharashtra, yet their performance in Jharkhand fell short of expectations.
Notably, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi supported the BJP’s campaign in Jharkhand. Despite this, his efforts did not translate into the anticipated momentum for the BJP in Jharkhand. Odisha Governor Raghubar Das was purportedly instrumental in formulating the BJP’s campaign approach in the tribal-centric state. The Opposition has criticized the governor for converting the Odisha Raj Bhavan into a command centre for the BJP during the Jharkhand election. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also visited Odisha to consult with Das.
During his visit, Modi, who will reside at Raj Bhavan, is scheduled to meet with state BJP leaders, including some who participated in the Jharkhand campaign. Upon arrival at the airport on November 29, Modi will partake in a felicitation ceremony nearby. Subsequently, he will take part in a roadshow, followed by a visit to the party office to meet with MLAs, MPs, and party leaders for two hours.
BJP state unit president Manmohan Samal stated, “Following the meeting, the Prime Minister will dine with the party leaders at the office, where various issues will be discussed.” Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Samal inspected the party office to assess the preparations.
A senior party official mentioned, “The party consistently prioritizes the east. The reasons behind the party’s success in other states and its shortcomings in Jharkhand will likely be examined. Modi is expected to provide a strategy for the party leaders and counsel them on maintaining the trust of the populace. Once the party affairs conclude, the Prime Minister will engage in his official duties.”
The Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) remarkable win in Odisha is widely credited to the Prime Minister’s intensive campaigning during the recent elections. Modi astutely highlighted issues such as Odisha Asmita (Odia Pride) and the disappearance of the keys to the Ratna Bhandar (treasure house) of the Puri Shree Jagannath Temple. The Prime Minister is acutely aware of the significance of the Odisha model for states like Jharkhand, where the BJP is looking to consolidate its position. Odisha remains a focal point, with Modi’s recent attendance at the Odisha Parba event in New Delhi.
Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan stated, “This is a moment of pride for the state, underscoring the significant attention and importance it has received from the highest echelons of government, especially from the Prime Minister. His visit sends a strong message that the central government is committed to Odisha’s focus. This will pave the way for further development in the state, heralding a new era of progress.”
