Bhubaneswar: Addressing his first public meeting in Odisha ahead of the twin polls in the state, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today came down heavily on the ruling BJD and emphasized that a BJP government in Odisha is essential for the state's rapid development.

The Odisha unit of the BJP has released a visionary manifesto, prioritizing employment for youths and women, healthcare for elders, tourism development, and welfare of farmers. The BJP always keeps its promises, said Modi while addressing the public meeting in Berhampur.

Launching a scathing attack on the BJD, Modi said June 4 (the date for counting of votes) is the expiry date of the BJD government. On June 6, the BJP will finalize its CM for Odisha while on June 10, the BJP leader will take oath as the CM of the state, he said.

Modi claimed that previous governments in Odisha haven't done anything significant for the development of the state and asserted that the BJP is the only hope for Odisha, neither Congress nor BJD.

"The Congress ruled Odisha for around 50 years while the BJD did the same for 25 years. The state has enough water resources, fertile land, minerals, and coastline. However, the state hasn't developed. Though Odisha is rich, its people are poor. The leaders of the Congress and the BJD looted the state," he said.

Taking a jibe at Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, the PM said that most migrant workers are from the CM's constituency area. Posts of doctors are lying vacant, children are leaving studies, and Hinjili (Naveen Patnaik's constituency) lacks enough cold storage and water supply facility, said Modi.

The PM said his government has never made budget a constraint for the development of Odisha and allocated more funds for the state than previous governments.

"The Congress government at the Centre led by Manmohan Singh had sanctioned Rs 1 lakh crore for Odisha in 10 years. However, my government has allocated more than Rs 3.5 lakh crore for the state in 10 years. Sanctioning the money is not enough. A good government at the state is necessary for the utilization of the funds," Modi said.

He also accused the BJD government of hijacking the schemes of the Central Government. "The BJD either stops implementation of our schemes or hijacks those. The Central Government had sanctioned Rs 10,000 crore for Jal Jeevan Mission in Odisha. However, the BJD was unable to spend the money properly. The BJD always portraits our schemes as theirs," he said.

More than 6 crore people in the country are getting free healthcare under the Ayushman Bharat Yojana. However, the BJD government is not implementing the scheme in Odisha. If the BJP is voted to power in the state, we will implement the scheme, which has healthcare coverage of Rs 5 lakh. Besides, those above 70 years of age will get treatment free of cost, said Modi.

The BJD is not concerned about the welfare of women. The Central Government provides Rs 6,000 to pregnant women. However, the BJD is not implementing it in Odisha. The women of the state will never forgive the BJD. On the other hand, the BJP is committed towards the development of women. The Odisha unit of the BJP has come up with the Subhadra Yojana in its manifesto with an aim of strengthening the women financially, he said at the public meeting.

Explaining the necessity of a BJP government in Odisha, Modi urged the people to give the party a chance to serve the state. "A BJP CM is required for fast development of the state. Give us an opportunity to serve you. I promise you all that I will make Odisha the number one state of the country in five years," the PM said.

While concluding his speech, Modi urged the people of Odisha to vote in favour of BJP MP and MLA candidates in the upcoming polls.