Bhubaneswar (Odisha) [India], June 21 (ANI): Reacting to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remarks that he politely declined an invitation from US President Donald Trump, citing prior commitment in Odisha, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has said that the PM always likes to come to his state.

'He always likes to come to Odisha. He spoke to Donald Trump during the G7, and he invited the PM for a visit to America. PM Modi had already given us the program and told us he would come on June 20... He likes to come to Odisha, and he starts his programs with the chant of 'Jai Jagannath, '' Majhi told ANI.

Speaking at an event in Bhubaneswar on Friday, PM Modi said that he had politely declined an invitation from US President Donald Trump to visit the United States on his way back from Canada after the G7 Summit, choosing instead to travel to Odisha -- the 'land of Lord Jagannath,' which he called more important.

'At a time when Odisha's BJP government is completing one year, the people of Odisha are preparing for the Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra. He is our 'prerna' inspiration and 'aaradhya' worship,' PM Modi said.

'Just two days ago, I was in Canada for the G7 summit. During that time, US President Donald Trump called me and invited me with great insistence. I told the President of America, Thank you for the invitation, but I need to go to the land of the Lord. So I politely declined his invitation. Your love has drawn me to the land of the Lord,' he said.

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has said that his government aims to make the State a USD 500 billion economy by 2036, adding that the government would cooperate with the Centre to achieve the goal of Viksit Bharat.

'We will cooperate with the centre to achieve the goal of Viksit Bharat... Our GDP is more than the national average... We have prepared a vision document for 2036... We aim to make Odisha a USD 500 billion economy by 2036. A double-digit growth rate is required for this,' Majhi told ANI.

Majhi commended Prime Minister Modi's leadership and highlighted contributions to the state's development.

'In January, PM Modi urged the investors to participate in the Utkarsh Odisha 2025 conclave. We received proposals worth Rs 17 lakh crores in just two days, which is a record. This happened because the investors trusted you. We are working to make Odisha the industrial hub of eastern India...,' he said.

On Operation Sindoor, Majhi lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, stating, 'Under your leadership, the terrorist has been eliminated. Operation Sindoor was not just an operation; it was a symbol of the trust of mothers and sisters. With Operation Sindoor, India rises to a new role, one that does not bow. Earlier, people said, 'Modi hai toh mumkin hai'; now they say, 'Modi hai toh desh surakshit hai.' Under your leadership, development is touching new heights. In 11 years, all sectors have made progress, and India has become the world's fourth-largest economy.'

PM Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for multiple development projects worth over Rs 18,600 crore in Bhubaneswar.

These projects will cover critical sectors, including drinking water, irrigation, agricultural infrastructure, health infrastructure, rural roads and bridges, sections of national highways, and a new railway line. (ANI)