Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasised the tangible impact of his government’s schemes, asserting that uplifting the nation’s impoverished was central to “Modi ki Guarantee” during a public address in Sambalpur.

Addressing the crowd after the inauguration of the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) campus, Modi highlighted the distribution of new gas connections to approximately 55 lakh women in Odisha, alongside efforts to alleviate the burden of electricity bills for the underprivileged.

“Our focus remains on promoting rooftop solar energy and introducing a revolution in LED bulbs,” he emphasised, underlining his commitment to extending benefits to every socio-economic stratum, be it farmers or fishermen.

Asserting his assurance repeatedly during the “Vishal Guarantee Sabha”, Modi said: “Jiska ka koi nahin, uska Modi hai. Jahan Ummeed khatm hoti hai, wahan
Modi ki guarantee shuru hoti hai.”

In what was clearly an election-oriented speech, Modi inaugurated projects worth nearly Rs 70,000 crore in Sambalpur, spanning education, power, railway and mining sectors, aiming to foster development across diverse fields. He underscored the role of projects in enhancing power supply, enriching the mining sector and bolstering connectivity between Odisha and Jharkhand.

Speaking on the District Mineral Foundation, Modi said the mineral-rich states such as Odisha had reaped significant benefits, with over Rs 25,000 crore allocated to the state from this fund alone.

Referring to the recent budget’s emphasis on poverty alleviation, Modi cited initiatives that lifted at least 25 crore people above the poverty line. He hailed the PM Kisan Nidhi scheme, noting its impact on over 40 lakh farmers in Odisha.

Highlighting his government’s focus on women’s welfare, Modi mentioned the inclusion of ASHA and Anganwadi workers in the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme. He criticised the previous UPA government for exploiting tribal communities as vote banks, emphasising his administration’s commitment to their development. “Our President Droupadi Murmu is a tribal hailing from Odisha. However, the Congress and other parties opposed her which was an insult to the tribal community and the people of Odisha,” said Modi.

The Prime Minister also inaugurated the Puri-Sonepur-Puri Weekly Express.

However, throughout the event, Modi refrained from criticising the BJD government led by Naveen Patnaik, with whom he shared the dais during the IIM campus inauguration. The cordial exchange between the two leaders marked the event.

In response, Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik hailed the Prime Minister’s vision for India’s economic progress, expressing confidence in Odisha’s potential to become the manufacturing hub of Eastern India, with hopes for continued support from the central government.