Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent tour covered Telangana and Odisha, making headlines with a series of development project inaugurations and cornerstone ceremonies totalling over ₹26,000 crore. In Telangana, he kick-started projects worth over ₹7,000 crore across various sectors such as roads, railways, and energy. A visit to the prominent Sri Ujjaini Mahakali Temple marked the start of his engagements, followed by a compelling public speech in Sangareddy.
The advancements in Telangana continued with the opening of the Civil Aviation Research Organisation (CARO) at a staggering investiture of ₹350 crore, alongside the establishment of three National Highway projects. Additionally, Modi marked the commencement of the MMTS Train Service between Ghatkesar-Lingampalli and launched the IndianOil Paradip-Hyderabad Product Pipeline. His itinerary in Odisha was just as significant, featuring the inauguration of Indian Oil Corporation’s mono ethylene glycol project at Paradip Refinery, as well as a range of road, rail, and energy sector initiatives. Coinciding with former chief minister Biju Patnaik’s birth anniversary, the visit also heightened discussions about the potential conferment of the Bharat Ratna honour on the late leader.
The PM’s ambitious 10-day trip across 12 states and union territories demonstrated an unwavering focus on fulfilling the government’s development and welfare promise ahead of the upcoming general elections scheduled for April-May. In the political arena, Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy expressed a desire for collaborative progress, seeking the Prime Minister’s assistance to bring Telangana to the forefront of development, akin to Gujarat. This marked a departure from Reddy’s predecessor, who often abstained from Modi’s state visits. In contrast, Reddy’s approach indicated a cooperative stance, emphasizing the need for central and state synergy post-elections.
Despite a warm exchange with Reddy, Prime Minister Modi did not shy from expressing criticism against the Congress and the Bharat Rashtra Samithi, denouncing superficial changes in governance and calling out alleged corruption surrounding the Kaleshwaram irrigation project. The day culminated with Modi’s inauguration of infrastructure projects and the promise of launching future endeavors, including the Civil Aviation Research Organisation in Begumpet, further cementing his vision of blazing a trail of development across the nation.