Bhubaneswar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking at a huge rally in Bhubaneswar on June 20, 2025, said, with a big smile, that he was unable to accept the invitation by U.S. President Donald Trump to visit America but would rather celebrate with the people of Odisha on the holy land of Lord Jagannath.
The visit of Modi on the first anniversary of the BJP government in Odisha was a milestone he termed as a celebration of good governance and people’s trust. In addressing a cheering audience, he stated that he had declined with humility the invitation by President Trump to visit the U.S. To share today, this historic day, I have decided to be here in the sacred land of Lord Jagannath.” Huge applause greeted his words.
The Prime Minister praised Chief Minister Mohan Majhi for his leadership, stating that the past year serves as evidence of his public service. Modi said that this is not only a milestone but also evidence of our interest in developing Odisha. He featured such initiatives as reopening all four gates of the Jagannath Temple along with the Ratna Bhandar, due to which he focused on cultural pride instead of political rewards.
Modi visited the Jagannath Temple in Puri, where he offered his prayers and met individuals benefiting from state and central schemes. He initiated projects worth 18,600 crores, such as water, health, and railway projects, and released the Odisha Vision Document, aiming for a thrust towards a 500 billion dollar economy by 2036.
The decision to prioritise Odisha over accepting Trump’s invitation, which he extended during the G7 summit, has sparked a political debate. As Trump has reached out to other world leaders even before he can start an electioneering campaign in the U.S., Modi has made a statement indicating that he is interested in home priorities and culture appreciation.