By Bizodisha Bureau, Bhubaneswar, March 29, 2019: Prime Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Narendra Modi on Friday began his campaign trail in Odisha from Jeypore in Koraput district for the upcoming polls by beginning his speech in Odia saying ‘Jay Jagannath’ and ‘Apana Maane Kemiti Achhanti?’’

At the very outset, Modi thanked the people of the nation and the Odisha for their continuous support to him during his last five years of leadership.

Modi spoke about his government’s achievements during the last five years saying, “My govt has been able to provide pucca houses to eight lakh families, gas connections to 40 lakh houses under Ujjwala Yojana and electricity to 24 lakh houses in 3,000 villages in Odisha; all these have been achieved only because of your continuous support and encouragement.”

Blasting the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) for what he called ‘corrupt’ Government, Modi asked the people whether a Government which is embroiled in chit fund scams, giving patronage to mining Mafias and unable to punish criminals, develop and give protection to the people of Odisha?

“Both Congress and BJD have betrayed the people of Odisha. Now it’s the time to punish them and bring a change in the leadership. This is the time to bring a double-engine Government of BJP to ensure building of a ‘new Odisha’. Then only Odisha can develop,” he added.

Modi referred to the successful test of anti-satellite missile saying, “Two days ago, the country witnessed an achievement that made the whole world acknowledge its capability. It is the power of India’s new self-confidence, which the whole country is now taking pride in. India is now capable of performing ‘chowkidari’ in space,” said Mr. Modi referring to the successful test of anti-satellite missile.

The PM also attacked opposition parties alleging non-acknowledgement to 2016 surgical strike and the recent air strike in Pakistan’s Balakot. “When the Indian Army entered their home and killed terrorists in Pakistan, some parties are seeking proof of the same,” he stated.

“On polling day when you go to the polling booth, go with clear head. You have to decide if you want a government which can strike by entering enemy territory or a government that sits down with head bowed under fear. You have to decide on a government which can take a decision or a government which is busy doing sloganeering. You want a strong government or a helpless government,” asked Modi.

The PM also lambasted the BJD Government saying that the latter is depriving the farmers of Odisha from availing benefits under the PM-KISAN scheme. He also slammed the Odisha Government for rejecting the Centre’s flagship Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme.

Modi called upon the people of Odisha to vote for BJP and give the party a chance to do ‘Chowkidari’ in Odisha as well.