BHUBANESWAR: Amid the flare-up over BJP MP Nishikant Dubey’s controversial statements linking former CM Biju Patnaik to the CIA, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Odisha Day on Wednesday wrote to chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi praising Biju, calling him a symbol of strength and courage. In his letter from his Dibrugarh camp office, Modi wrote, “This is the soil that nurtured the great Biju Patnaik, whose life epitomises strength, courage and an unwavering commitment to nation-building. Biju Babu’s multifaceted persona inspires us all.” The PM also recalled the valour of Buxi Jagabandhu and Veer Surendra Sai and the contributions of Maharaja Krushna Chandra Gajapati Narayan Deo, Madhusudan Das, Gopabandhu Das, Fakir Mohan Senapati, Gangadhar Meher, Harekrushna Mahtab, Malati Choudhury, Sarala Devi and Parbati Giri, saying they have left an indelible mark on India’s history. “One can only marvel at Odisha, its glorious history and the people of this exceptional state. Odia culture is a civilisational treasure,” he said. Modi noted that Odias continue to excel in diverse fields—from trade and commerce to academics, sports, arts and research. Recalling his decades-long association with Odisha, Modi said he frequently interacted with Odia communities long before becoming Prime Minister. “I consider it my privilege and the blessings of Mahaprabhu Jagannath that over the last decade, I have got the chance to work towards the progress of Odisha and the prosperity of its people,” he wrote. Modi said Odisha has received its highest-ever allocation in railways and roads this year. Railway allocation has risen to ₹10,600 crore in 2025‑26, from an annual average of ₹838 crore during 2009‑14, giving “fresh momentum” to connectivity and logistics. Enhanced connectivity, he said, will also boost tourism in a state blessed with “both nature and culture.” The PM said the Centre has worked to improve the lives of tribal communities through saturation coverage of flagship schemes, highlighting PM‑JANMAN’s focus on the poorest and most vulnerable tribal groups. Describing Odisha as an emerging maritime and industrial hub, he cited port-led development around Paradip, LNG terminals at Paradip and Gopalpur, and the potential of the Bahuda Port and Mahanadi riverine port and shipbuilding proposal. He also noted the growing popularity of fisheries, referring to an Odia fish farmer mentioned in his recent Mann Ki Baat. Modi said the proposed Dedicated Rare Earth Corridor and the scheme for developing a domestic permanent magnet manufacturing ecosystem will reinforce Odisha’s importance in strategic minerals and advanced manufacturing. He added that the state is also becoming a promising destination in India’s semiconductor journey. “One of the things I am very proud of is our Government’s success against Left-Wing Extremism,” Modi wrote, adding that the NDA Government has focused both on eliminating Maoism and ensuring dignity for those affected by LWE. Odisha, he said, understands the importance of this as LWE violence had long slowed the state’s development. The PM praised Majhi as well. “I would also like to express my appreciation for you and the Odisha Government for the exceptional work you have been doing over the last two years. The people have placed immense faith in this team and I am confident no stone will be left unturned to fulfil their dreams,” he said. Highlighting women’s empowerment, Modi said the Subhadra Yojana has transformed lives, with over one crore beneficiaries gaining financial stability, confidence and dignity. He also lauded Odisha’s progress in creating “Lakhpati Didis.” Calling Odisha’s industrial growth “equally heartening,” he said the foundation stones and inaugurations of more than 100 major projects—with record investments and employment potential—show that investment is translating into assets, jobs and opportunity on the ground. Modi also appreciated the state government’s efforts to strengthen Odia Asmita and preserve the Odia language, culture and heritage. He said the Centre would continue supporting Odisha in sports and youth empowerment, noting that Odisha hosting the 2028 World Athletics Indoor Championships is “a matter of pride for the entire nation” and will showcase the state’s potential globally. With Odisha completing 100 years as a state a decade from now, Modi urged the chief minister to plan for what more can be achieved collectively for the state’s progress.
