Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address in Assam’s Darrang district turned into a forceful critique of the Congress party, with accusations ranging from land encroachments to aligning with anti-national forces. He alleged that under Congress rule, vast tracts of farmers’ land and even places of worship had been encroached upon, and that his government has since been actively reversing these wrongs. Modi asserted that lakhs of acres of land have been reclaimed from infiltrators and that the BJP is committed to protecting India’s integrity by tackling illegal settlement issues head-on.
He drew a sharp contrast between the BJP’s approach and that of Congress, claiming that Congress has historically sided with infiltrators and terrorists trained by Pakistan, instead of standing with India’s armed forces. Referring to Operation Sindoor, Modi accused the opposition of siding with Pakistan’s interests rather than supporting Indian soldiers. He said that Congress’s focus on “vote-bank politics” had made it the biggest protector of infiltrators, ignoring the nation’s long-term security and stability.
Alongside these political attacks, Modi sought to highlight his government’s development record in Assam. He pointed out that while Congress had constructed only three bridges over the Brahmaputra in decades, the BJP-led government had managed six in the last ten years. He praised Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for freeing encroached land for agricultural use, which he said had directly benefited farmers. To reinforce his government’s vision of development, Modi laid the foundation stones for key healthcare projects worth ₹570 crore, including a new medical college, a nursing college, and a GNM school, saying these would strengthen the health infrastructure and create opportunities for Assam’s youth.
The Prime Minister also spoke about upcoming GST reforms, promising that from the first day of Navratri, GST rates would be reduced, lowering the cost of daily-use items for families. He connected this announcement with his call to buy swadeshi goods, framing it as both an economic and cultural responsibility for citizens seeking a brighter future for their children.
Striking an emotional chord, Modi invoked Assam’s cultural heritage, especially Bharat Ratna awardee Bhupen Hazarika. He accused the Congress of insulting Hazarika when he was conferred the nation’s highest civilian honour, and linked this disrespect to Congress’s broader neglect of the North East. Modi reminded the gathering of comments made during the 1962 war that, according to him, left lasting wounds on the people of the region. Positioning himself as deeply connected to Assam’s identity and courage, he emphasized his devotion to Lord Shiva and claimed that while he absorbs personal criticism, he would not tolerate insults directed at the people and icons of Assam.
Concluding his address, Modi positioned Assam as one of India’s fastest-growing states, with a growth rate of 13 percent. He said that the “double-engine government” at the Centre and in the state was fueling this progress, and that Assam stood at the heart of the vision for a Viksit Bharat. He described the success of Operation Sindoor as a tribute to Maa Kamakhya and Lord Krishna, symbolizing not just security but also cultural reverence.
