Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday accused the Congress party of exploiting the citizens, even imposing taxes on low-income earners, during his address at the 'Namo Yuva Samabesh' in Jharsuguda, Odisha. He said the Congress had taxed individuals earning as little as Rs 2 lakh annually, while the BJP government raised this exemption limit to over Rs 12 lakh. Modi warned people to remain cautious of Congress and its allies, claiming that they continue to burden the common people.
Modi criticised the Congress for opposing GST reforms introduced by the central government to reduce taxes for ordinary citizens. He cited instances where Congress-led states, including Himachal Pradesh, imposed additional levies on essential items like cement, negating the benefits of central tax reductions. The Prime Minister said while the central government reduced GST rates, some Congress-ruled states resisted allowing the relief to reach the people.
He highlighted Odisha’s development under the BJP’s 'double engine' government, pointing to its transition from decades of poverty to growth and prosperity. Modi focused on empowering marginalized communities, including the poor, Dalits, and tribals, and announced the central government’s approval of two semiconductor units in the state.
During the event, Modi inaugurated BSNL’s indigenous 4G network, marking a milestone in India’s telecom sector. The rollout includes over 97,500 4G towers built with fully indigenous technology, reaching more than 26,700 previously unconnected villages, including 2,472 in Odisha. The solar-powered towers will serve over 20 lakh new subscribers and reduce the digital divide in remote and border areas.
In addition, Modi inaugurated infrastructure projects worth over Rs 60,000 crore across sectors like railways, healthcare, education, and rural housing. The Amrit Bharat Express between Berhampur and Udhna (Surat) was flagged off to improve connectivity, tourism, and employment opportunities.
He also laid foundation stones for upgrading medical colleges to super-speciality hospitals and expanding teaching facilities, along with expanding eight IITs to accommodate 10,000 new students over the next four years.
Modi emphasised self-reliance as a key driver of India’s future growth, highlighting domestic manufacturing initiatives in semiconductors, shipbuilding, and other sectors critical for national security and economic strength.
The event also featured cultural celebrations, with Modi paying homage to Maa Samoli and Maa Ramochani Devi, acknowledging India’s rich heritage. Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati, and several Union and state ministers attended, highlighting the national significance of the event and India’s development trajectory.
