Top BJP leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, are set to visit Odisha for crucial pre-election activities. They will release the party's manifesto and engage with local intellectuals. These visits aim to enhance the BJP's electoral prospects and address issues like the preservation of Odia culture and proper utilisation of Central funds.

Already, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar arrived here on Saturday on his maiden visit to Odisha. During his stay for two days in the State, he will interact with intellectuals, editors of media houses and others in the twin cities of Cuttack and Bhubaneswar.

BJP National President JP Nadda is also scheduled to visit the State on Sunday.

Modi will also reach Bhubaneswar on Sunday. After night stay in Bhubaneswar, he will attend two programmes each in Brahmapur and Nabarangpur on Monday.

BJP State vice-president Golak Mohapatra said, “These three days are crucial as the election narrative will come along with BJP’s manifesto which will be released by the party president tomorrow and these will be a guideline for all of us.”

He said Modi’s visit is also crucial to ensure Central schemes reach the poor at the grassroots level. “We have realised that the PM is worried over the degeneration of Odia language, culture and literature as they have been mortgaged. The concerns expressed by BJP will be expressed by PM Modi. Similarly, Amit Shah said that the Central funds are not being utilised properly, for which there is labour migration from the State,” said Mohapatra.

Notably, Modi is scheduled to hold a road show in Bhubaneswar on May 10. Sources said the PM would have at least six election rallies in Odisha by May 30.