Berhampur, Feb 22: Prime Minister Narendra Modi loves Odisha and its people. It has been proved by his work and contribution to the State during the last nine years. 

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh claimed this while addressing a huge gathering of BJP workers at Ambapua Bibek Bihar Ground here during his one-day visit to Odisha today. 

"During its 10 years of rule, the Congress-led UPA government provided only Rs 3 lakh crore to Odisha. But the Modi Government, during its last nine years, has provided Rs 18 lakh crore to the State," said Rajnath Singh. 

While pucca ghar (concrete house) has been provided to four crore poor people across the country during the last nine years, Odisha's 25 lakh people benefited from the scheme. 

He said Odisha has benefitted a lot from schemes like Ujjwala and free ration (National Food Security Act) schemes. 

Singh boastfully said Prime Minister Narendra Modi promoted the Konark Chakra, the symbol of Odisha's rich heritage, at the world level during the G20 summit. 

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"Prime Minister Narendra Modi has a special love for Odisha. He has never done any discrimination to the State in providing financial support and promoting its glory," the Defence Minister said boastfully. 

He too reminded the people about the projects worth Rs 17,000 crore inaugurated for Odisha by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.