Majhi invites PM to attend 2nd anniv celebrations

Bhubaneswar: Ahead of BJP govt’s second anniversary in Odisha on June 12, chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Monday and invited him to attend the celebrations.In a post on X, Majhi said he discussed accelerating Odisha’s infrastructure development, enhancing investment opportunities and implementing key public welfare initiatives with the PM. “Also extended a cordial invitation to him for the celebration marking two years of our government’s dedicated service to the people of Odisha,” he wrote, thanking the PM for his continued guidance and support in the state’s progress.Majhi has already announced a low-key celebration, citing fuel conservation amid the West Asia conflict. Instead of large events, the govt will take its welfare and development initiatives to the grassroots through programmes across the state and districts from June 12 to 21. Though the PM is yet to give his final approval, he could address a public meeting while unveiling a series of development projects in the state.At the start of his three-day Delhi visit, the CM held detailed discussions with Modi on Odisha’s development, apprising him of the govt’s achievements over the past two years and outlining plans for the year ahead. He is also learnt to have briefed the PM on measures taken to minimise the impact of the West Asia crisis on the state’s economy.Amid speculation over a possible expansion of the council of ministers, Majhi is also believed to have discussed the matter with the PM. During his maiden expansion, Majhi may increase the size of his council from 16 to 22, dropping a few while inducting new faces.Photographs shared by the CMO showed Majhi presenting a silver filigree miniature boat to Modi, symbolising Odisha’s maritime heritage and Cuttack’s filigree craft, and the two leaders exchanging a warm handshake. The CM is scheduled to meet more Union ministers on Tuesday and Wednesday to take up pending issues. He is also likely to meet the BJP’s central leadership, including party president Nitin Nabin.