Bhubaneswar, June 20: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday revealed that he respectfully declined an invitation from U.S. President Donald Trump to visit Washington following the G7 Summit in Canada, choosing instead to keep his promise to the people of Odisha.
Addressing a massive public gathering at Janata Maidan in Bhubaneswar to mark the first anniversary of the BJP government in the state, PM Modi shared that he prioritized visiting "the land of Mahaprabhu" over a high-profile diplomatic meeting.
“Just two days ago, I was in Canada for the G7 summit and the US President Trump called me,” Modi told the crowd.
“He insisted that I visit Washington and have dinner with him. I thanked him, but said I must go to Mahaprabhu’s land—your love and devotion brought me here,” said the PM.
In a spirited and wide-ranging speech, the Prime Minister hailed the anniversary not just as a political milestone, but as a celebration of good governance and public trust.
“Today, 20th June, is a very special day,” said PM Modi. “It marks one year of the BJP government in Odisha. This anniversary is not just about a government; it is about the establishment of good governance. This one year has been dedicated to serving the people and earning their trust. I heartily congratulate the people of Odisha and Chief Minister Mohan Majhi along with his team.”
Modi linked the occasion to the upcoming Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath, noting the symbolic and spiritual significance of the moment. He praised the state government’s swift action in opening all four doors of the Sri Mandir in Puri soon after coming to power.
“With the blessings of Mahaprabhu Jagannath, long-pending issues related to the temple have been resolved. The Ratna Bhandar has also been opened. This is not about political victory—it’s about honoring the faith of crores of devotees,” he said.
Describing Odisha as a "shining star" in India's cultural landscape, Modi said the state's heritage is invaluable to India's civilizational identity.
“For centuries, Odisha has enriched India's culture. Today, when development and heritage have become the twin engines of India’s progress, Odisha's importance has grown even more,” he said.
Modi compared Odisha’s current political transformation to changes witnessed in states like Assam and Tripura, where BJP governments replaced decades of instability and underdevelopment.
“Assam was once synonymous with violence and unrest. Today, it is on the path of peace and growth. Tripura, long ruled by the Left, is now a beacon of development. Odisha is writing a similar story,” he said.
