-Subhalaxmi Dash
Bhubaneswar: Influenced by speeches from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other central leaders during the 2024 general elections, the people of Odisha have bid farewell to the 24-year-old BJD government. The central leaders highlighted issues like the migration of one crore people from the state for work, unemployment among youth, lack of irrigation for agricultural lands, and overall poverty in Odisha despite its rich resources. They also touched on themes of Odia identity, Tamil governance, the opening of Srimandir’s four gates, and the missing key of the Ratna Bhandar. Inspired by these speeches, the people of Odisha have given BJP the opportunity to form the government and now await the fulfillment of promises made.
Modi’s Campaign in Odisha:
For election campaigning, Narendra Modi visited Odisha on May 3rd. After arriving in Bhubaneswar, he stayed overnight and held rallies in Brahmapur and Nabarangpur the next day. His second visit was on May 10th and 11th, during which he conducted roadshows in Bhubaneswar and held public meetings in Phulbani, Balangir, and Bargarh. On May 19th, Modi conducted a roadshow in Puri’s Grand Road and held rallies in Angul and Cuttack. On May 25th, he roared against the state government in Baripada, Baleshwar, and Kendrapara.
Modi’s Election Promises:
During his campaign, Prime Minister Modi made several promises. These included a ₹50,000 voucher for every woman, a monthly allowance of ₹1,000, interest-free loans up to ₹5 lakhs, a monthly pension of ₹3,000 for the elderly and disabled, a minimum price of ₹3,100 per quintal of paddy, free healthcare up to ₹5 lakhs for citizens above 70 years, filling 1.5 lakh vacant government positions, free electricity under the PM Surya Ghar Yojana, opening Srimandir’s four gates, finding the missing Ratna Bhandar key, making Odisha the third largest tourist destination, constructing 75,000 km of roads, providing jobs through factories, and addressing the migration issue.
Odisha Will Lead in Development: Modi
Addressing newly elected MPs at an NDA meeting in Parliament, Modi spoke about the election results in Odisha. He said that Odisha will take a leading role in development. Jagannath, the deity of the poor, will bless Odisha to become a key engine in India’s development. The results from Odisha will give new momentum to the dream of a developed India. Odisha will be a driving force for the next 25 years, turning into the country’s developed engine.
Poor Welfare is Central to NDA Governance
Prime Minister Modi stated that the work done in the past 10 years was just a trailer. The NDA has gained the opportunity to govern in 22 states. NDA reflects the soul of India. In 10 tribal-dominated states, NDA has formed the government in 7. NDA is the most successful alliance, organically evolving over 30 years. When one thinks of NDA, good governance comes to mind. Poor welfare has become the central theme of NDA governance. The next 10 years will write a new chapter of development and governance. Together, we will make the dream of a developed India a reality.
Subhalaxmi Dash,
MA English with Communication Studies, Christ University, Bengaluru Yeshwanthpur Campus.