Guwahati: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday launched a sharp political attack on the Congress, alleging that decades of its rule had left the Northeast neglected and encouraged insurgency and insecurity in Assam.
Addressing a large public gathering in Guwahati that included party workers and supporters of the Bharatiya Janata Party, Modi said the Congress had weakened national security through what he described as divisive politics and vote-bank driven decisions.
He accused the party of protecting infiltrators and failing to take firm action on illegal immigration, while asserting that the BJP government is committed to ending unlawful cross-border movement and strengthening internal security in the state.
The Prime Minister claimed that fear and instability dominated Assam during the Congress years and said the party, now out of power in the state for a decade, had become “more dangerous” due to what he described as increasingly hostile rhetoric from its leaders.
He contrasted past infrastructure development with the BJP’s record, stating that while only three bridges were built over the Brahmaputra in nearly seven decades of Congress rule, five bridges have been constructed in the last ten years under BJP governments.
Highlighting development initiatives, Modi said Assam is witnessing all-round growth, with major projects in connectivity, industry and technology.
Referring to the semiconductor plant being set up by the Tata Group at Jagiroad, he said the state would gain global recognition not only for tea but also for high-tech manufacturing.
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He also noted that more than 125 people from the Northeast have received Padma awards since 2014, calling it recognition of the region’s contribution to the nation.
Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister inaugurated the Northeast’s first emergency landing facility (ELF) at Moran bypass in Dibrugarh, landing a C-130J aircraft on the highway strip.
Describing the facility as a strategic asset, he said it was not merely infrastructure but a key element of national security preparedness.
Modi also paid tribute to security personnel killed in the Pulwama terror attack in 2019 and referred to subsequent counter-terror operations, saying India’s response had demonstrated the government’s resolve against terrorism.
Looking ahead to the 2026 Assam Assembly elections, the Prime Minister expressed confidence that the BJP would return to power with a strong mandate, but said the party’s focus must go beyond electoral victory to winning public trust.
He credited the party’s organisational strength and grassroots workers for its political success, calling them the backbone of the BJP.
Modi assured the people of Assam that development, connectivity and job creation would remain central priorities, and reiterated the government’s commitment to preserving the state’s identity, traditions and cultural heritage.
He also paid homage to former Union Minister Kabindra Purkayastha, remembering him as a dedicated leader who served both the party and the state.
