Bhubaneswar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a large youth gathering in Jharsuguda, Odisha, where he spoke about his government's development work. He also drew a sharp contrast between the work of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the approach of the Congress party. 
PM Modi Launches Mega Development Projects in Odisha


During his speech, the Prime Minister cautioned the public about Congress and its partner parties. He stated that these parties have a history of working against the interests of common citizens. He presented his government as one dedicated to serving the poor and improving the lives of all Indians.

Focus on Helping the Poor and Marginalized

Prime Minister Modi emphasized that the central goal of the BJP government is to support the poor. He said there is a special focus on ensuring that basic necessities reach Dalits, backward classes, and tribal communities. He mentioned that the programs launched during the event in Odisha were a clear example of this commitment.
To illustrate his point, the Prime Minister discussed tax policies. He explained that under the previous Congress-led government, a person spending one lakh rupees could have been taxed around twenty-five thousand rupees. He contrasted this with the current system, where the same spending might lead to a tax of only four to five thousand rupees. He also highlighted that now, individuals with an annual income of up to twelve lakh rupees do not have to pay any income tax.

Contrasting State and Central Policies

The Prime Minister used a recent decision by the Congress government in Himachal Pradesh to make a point. He stated that after national GST reforms, the price of cement became cheaper for the whole country. This lower cost, he explained, helps common people afford to build their own homes. However, he said the state government in Himachal Pradesh added a new local tax on cement. He expressed that this action deprives the people of that state of a benefit available to others.
He reiterated that while the BJP works for the welfare of the poor, other parties continue to take steps that are not helpful for ordinary people.

Major Development Projects Launched for Odisha

The event in Jharsuguda was also a platform for launching significant new projects. The Prime Minister inaugurated programs with a total value of sixty thousand crore rupees. These initiatives are aimed at boosting development and connectivity across the region.
A key announcement was the launch of 4G services by the state-owned BSNL. This service is expected to improve mobile communication for people living in thirty thousand remote villages. Better connectivity is seen as a vital step for education, business, and access to information.
In a major move for housing, the Prime Minister handed over permits for pucca houses to fifty thousand beneficiaries from the poorest families in the state. This initiative is part of a larger scheme to ensure everyone has a solid, permanent roof over their head.
The government is also expanding educational facilities. Work has begun on expanding IITs in several states. In Odisha specifically, the foundation stones for many new projects related to education, skill development, and better transportation links were laid and inaugurated.
The Prime Minister recalled the assembly elections a year and a half ago. He said the people of Odisha had shown a strong desire for a more developed state. He expressed confidence that Odisha is now moving forward at a fast pace, which he described as the "double engine" speed of having the same party in power at both the state and central levels.
Adding to the connectivity push, the Prime Minister officially flagged off a new modern Amrit Bharat train. This train will run from Berhampur in Odisha to Surat in Gujarat, making long-distance travel easier and more comfortable for many people.