Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday expressed strong confidence that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will achieve a decisive victory in Odisha. Speaking at a public rally, he criticized the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) led by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and emphasized the need for a “double engine” government—a term he uses to describe BJP governance at both the state and central levels.
Campaigning for BJP candidate Sambit Patra for the Puri Lok Sabha seat, PM Modi stated, “Ghar-ghar se ek hi awaaz aa rahi hai – Odisha mein pehli baar double engine ki sarkar” (A voice is coming from every house that for the first time, there is going to be a double-engine government in Odisha). Today the entire Odisha is reflecting on what they have achieved in 25 years of BJD rule.
He further appealed to voters, particularly first-time voters, to participate actively in the ongoing fifth phase of the Lok Sabha elections, noting the high voter turnout at polling stations. PM Modi addressed the crowd in Dhenkanal, Odisha, and shared an inspirational anecdote about a wheelchair-bound youth participating in the election despite the scorching heat.
“I have come from Gujarat, from the land of Somnath, to pay respect to the land of Jagannath,” PM Modi added, highlighting his respect for the cultural heritage of Odisha.
Earlier, PM Modi conducted a roadshow in the holy city of Puri alongside Sambit Patra. His day-long visit includes additional public meetings in Cuttack, Odisha, and in Tamluk and Jhargram, West Bengal.
Voting for the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha elections commenced on Monday morning across 49 parliamentary constituencies in six states and two Union Territories, amid tight security measures. The elections, spanning seven phases from April 19 to June 1, will conclude with counting on June 4.
The BJP, led by Narendra Modi, is vying for a third consecutive term, while the opposition INDIA bloc aims to challenge their dominance.
