GUWAHATI: Union Home Minister Amit Shah slammed the Congress on Tuesday for its failure to combat rhino poaching in Assam during its rule in the state.
Speaking at a rally in Assam’s Lakhimpur, Shah highlighted that the endangered one-horned rhinoceros faced significant threats during the previous Congress government’s tenure, whereas under the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), poaching incidents have notably decreased.
“Rhino poaching in Assam was rampant during the Congress rule. However, under Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s leadership, it has completely stopped. Himanta ji has safeguarded the endangered species and significantly boosted tourism,” Shah asserted.
The Union Home Minister also highlighted the BJP-led government’s efforts in securing the border with Bangladesh and curbing infiltration in Assam.
“Under Himanta Biswa Sarma’s leadership, we have safeguarded the revered Vaishnavite Satras and ensured the eviction of infiltrators from Sattra land, preserving the ethos of Srimanta Sankardev,” he added.
Taking a dig at India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru over the 1962 India-China war, Shah remarked that the people of Assam would not forget Nehru’s actions during that period.
“People of Assam will never forget how Jawaharlal Nehru said ‘bye-bye’ to Assam during the Chinese aggression in 1962. Under PM Modi’s leadership, China couldn’t encroach even an inch of our land,” he stated.
Continuing his attack on the Congress, Shah recalled the past atrocities and highlighted the need for Assam’s cultural preservation.
“A few days ago, Rahul Gandhi was talking about saving Assam’s culture. However, I want to remind him of what his grandmother did to Assam. Thousands of youths were misguided and killed,” he disapproved.
Shah also highlighted the transformative changes brought about by the Narendra Modi government in Assam over the past decade.
“Modi ji‘s tenure has been a decade of transformation for Assam. We have concluded various peace agreements and development projects, paving the way for Assam’s development,” he asserted.
Lakhimpur in Assam is scheduled to vote in the first phase of Lok Sabha elections on April 19, followed by the second and third phases on April 26 and May 7, respectively. Vote counting will take place on June 4.
