Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday launched a sharp attack on the Congress, accusing the party of weakening Assam and the Northeast during its decades-long rule and of protecting infiltrators at the cost of the region’s security and cultural identity.
PM Modi on Electoral Roll Revision and Democracy
Addressing a public rally in Guwahati after inaugurating the new terminal at the Lokapriya Gopinath Bardoloi International Airport, PM Modi said the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls was meant to protect democracy by stopping infiltrators from entering the electoral process.
“Deshdrohis Opposing SIR Want to Shield Infiltrators”: PM Modi
The Prime Minister alleged that those opposing the SIR exercise had questionable intentions. “Deshdrohis opposing SIR want to shield infiltrators,” he said, adding that the Centre was taking strict steps to curb infiltration.
Congress Accused of Neglecting Assam and the Northeast
PM Modi claimed that the Congress had never prioritised the development of Assam and the Northeast. He alleged that during Congress rule, infiltrators were allowed to occupy forests and land, posing serious threats to the state’s security and cultural identity.
BJP ‘Double-Engine Government’ Driving Assam’s Growth
According to the Prime Minister, the BJP-led governments at the Centre and in Assam are correcting mistakes made over several decades. Highlighting the BJP’s “double-engine government” model, he said development in Assam was moving smoothly, comparing it to the uninterrupted flow of the Brahmaputra river.
PM Modi Highlights Assam’s Role in India’s Development
Expressing his personal connection with the state, PM Modi said his bond with Assam continues to inspire him. He added that Assam and the Northeast are fast emerging as gateways to India’s overall growth.
“Every state and every region has an important role to play in the mission of a developed India,” he said.
PM Modi Leads Massive Roadshow in Guwahati
Later in the evening, PM Modi led a massive roadshow in Guwahati on the first day of his two-day visit to Assam. The procession began near the Arjun Bhogeswar Baruah Sports Complex in Sarusajai on National Highway 27 and concluded at the BJP’s state headquarters near Basistha Chariali.
PM Modi Unveils Gopinath Bordoloi Statue, Reviews Poll Preparations
Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister unveiled a statue of Assam’s first Chief Minister, Gopinath Bordoloi, inaugurated the new airport terminal, and addressed a public gathering. After the roadshow, he chaired a key meeting with the BJP’s state leadership to review preparations for the upcoming Assam Assembly elections.