Eastern India remained backward during Cong rule, now emerging as gateway to development: PM

Business To Business, Bhubaneshwar, 20^th June, 2026:  Narendra Modi on Saturday said that eastern India, which he claimed had remained underdeveloped during the period of Congress rule, is now emerging as a major center of progress and development.
Addressing a public gathering in Rairangpur in Mayurbhanj after unveiling and inaugurating projects worth more than ₹47,600 crore, Modi highlighted the transformation taking place in the region.
The prime minister said that Odisha is advancing rapidly on the path of development through investments in infrastructure, industry, connectivity, and public welfare.
"Eastern India, which remained backward during the Congress rule, is now emerging as a gateway to progress and development," Modi said.
He emphasized the Centre's focus on accelerating growth in eastern states, arguing that the region has the potential to become a key driver of India's economic expansion. According to him, improvements in transportation networks, industrial projects, energy infrastructure, and social welfare initiatives are helping unlock new opportunities for growth and employment.
The projects launched during the visit are aimed at strengthening Odisha's infrastructure and economic capacity, while contributing to the broader vision of balanced regional development across the country.