PM Narendra Modi, HM Amit Shah’s frequent visits fuel political churn in Odisha

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had declared to make Odisha a top-performing state in the country ahead of the 2024 general elections. And now, with BJP forming the government for the first time in Odisha, the focus has shifted to fulfilling the promises. 

From PM Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah’s frequent visits to Odisha, it is quite evident that the saffron party is emphasising both governance and organisational strengthening in the State.

As part of a 25-year roadmap, PM Modi aims to make Odisha number one within five years. To achieve this, new development projects are set to begin early next year with Odisha conquering the epicentre of the Purvodaya development initiative.

Recently, PM Modi and HM Shah attended the DG Conference in the State capital and stayed in Bhubaneswar for three days. Most importantly, PM Modi hosted a political rally near Naveen Niwas on the very first day of his visit to inspire party workers. He also held meetings with elected representatives and office bearers at the state BJP headquarters. 

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In January, Modi will visit on a couple of occasions to attend Pravasi Bharatiya Divas and Utkarsa Odisha Summit. Similarly, HM Shah will pay a two-day visit to the State in late December.

While the BJP workers are excited about the frequent visits of top leadership to the State, Opposition BJD and Congress believe these efforts will have little impact on Odisha politics.

“As Odisha has got the double-engine government for the first time, we expect a lot from PM Modi. His frequent visits to the State emphasize his focus on speedy development. Everyone is aware of BJD's future. Time will tell if the party manages to survive or dismantle,” said Saroj Pradhan, government chief whip.

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BJD MLA Ganeswar Behera said, “If PM Modi will address the issues faced by Odisha, then everyone will be happy. If his visits are politically motivated, then it will have no impact.”

Echoing the same, Congress MLA Tara Prasad Bahinipati said, “These frequent visits will have no impact on Odisha politics. BJD was claiming no one could defeat them. Then how did BJP come to power? Time will change everything. Congress will emerge victorious in the next election.”

Meanwhile, political pundits observe that the BJP’s leadership is determined to make its long-term strategy successful, with key events like Navy Day, Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, and others being hosted in Odisha to build public confidence.

“The frequent visits of PM Modi and HM Shah aim at organisational strengthening. It is not easy to transform a backward State into a developed one. But in five years, there will be development and people will realize what benefits they have received,” said Rajaram Satapathy, a political analyst.