Guwahati: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 20 said that success in the development of Assam and the Northeast is being achieved because the government is safeguarding the region’s identity and culture. Criticising the Congress party, the PM said opposition is conspiring to erase this identity, and this conspiracy was not limited to just a few years. He stated that the roots of this wrongdoing go back to the pre-independence era, when the Muslim League and the British government were preparing the ground for India’s partition, and at that time there was also a plan to make Assam a part of undivided Bengal, that is, East Pakistan.
PM Modi noted that the Congress was part of this conspiracy, but Gopinath Bardoloi ji stood against his own party, opposed the plot to destroy Assam’s identity, and saved Assam from being separated from the country. He emphasised that their party rises above party lines to honour every patriot, and under the leadership of Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji, when their government came to power, Bardoloi ji was conferred the Bharat Ratna. The Prime Minister remarked that while Bardoloi ji had saved Assam before independence, the first ruling dispensation in the post-independence era once again began anti-Assam and anti-national activities thereafter.
He highlighted that they conspired to expand their vote bank through religious appeasement, giving free rein to infiltrators in Bengal and Assam. He stated that the region’s demographics had changed, and these infiltrators were encroaching on forests and land. The Prime Minister emphasised that as a result, the security and identity of the entire state of Assam were put at risk. The Prime Minister further remarked that a short while ago he had the privilege of unveiling the statue of Gopinath Bardoloi, Assam’s first Chief Minister and a source of pride for the state. He emphasised that Bharat Ratna Bardoloi never compromised on Assam’s identity, future, and interests, and his statue will continue to inspire future generations, instilling in them a deep sense of pride for Assam.
Criticising the previous governments for keeping Assam and the Northeast away from development, PM Modi said the nation had to pay a heavy price in terms of security, unity, and integrity. He highlighted that under opposition rule, violence thrived for decades, whereas in the last 10–11 years, efforts are being made to end it. He stated that where violence and bloodshed once prevailed in the Northeast, digital connectivity via 4G and 5G is now reaching these areas. The Prime Minister emphasised that districts once considered violence-affected are now developing as aspirational districts, and in the coming times, these very regions will become industrial corridors. He underlined that a new confidence has arisen regarding the Northeast, and stressed the need to strengthen it further.
Marking a transformative milestone in Assam’s connectivity, economic expansion and global engagement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the New Terminal Building of Lokapriya Gopinath Bardoloi International Airport in Guwahati today. Addressing the gathering on the occasion, PM Modi said that today marks the festival of development and progress of Assam and the North East. He highlighted that when the light of progress reaches people, every path in life begins to touch new heights.
The Prime Minister further remarked that his deep attachment to the land of Assam, the love and affection of its people, and especially the warmth and belonging of the mothers and sisters of Assam and the Northeast, continuously inspire him and strengthen the collective resolve to develop the region. He highlighted that today, once again, a new chapter is being added in Assam’s development. Referring to Bharat Ratna Bhupen Hazarika’s lines, PM Modi emphasised that this means the banks of the mighty Brahmaputra river will shine, every wall of darkness will be broken, and this will certainly happen as it is the nation’s resolve and solemn pledge. “Modern airport facilities and advanced connectivity infrastructure serve as gateways to new possibilities and opportunities for any state, and stand as pillars of growing confidence and trust among the people”, exclaimed the Prime Minister.
He remarked that when people witness the construction of magnificent highways and airports in Assam, they themselves acknowledge that true justice for Assam has finally begun. He contrasted this with the past, noting that previous governments had never made the development of Assam and the Northeast a priority. He noted that leaders in those governments used to say, “Who even goes to Assam and the Northeast?” and questioned the need for modern airports, highways, and better railways in the region. The Prime Minister emphasised that this mindset led the opposition to neglect the entire region for decades. Pointing out that the mistakes committed by the opposition over six to seven decades are being corrected one by one under his leadership, PM Modi stated that whether opposition leaders visit the Northeast or not, he himself feels a sense of belonging among his own people whenever he comes to Assam and the region.
He emphasised that for him, the development of Assam is not only a necessity but also a responsibility and an accountability. The Prime Minister highlighted that in the past eleven years, development projects worth lakhs of crores of rupees have been initiated for Assam and the Northeast. He noted that Assam is progressing further and creating new milestones, mentioning with satisfaction that Assam has become the number one state in the country to implement the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
He added that Assam has also set a record by installing more than 50 lakh smart prepaid meters. He contrasted this with the previous dispensation, when obtaining a government job without bribes or recommendations was impossible, and emphasised that today thousands of young people are getting jobs without such practices. Modi further highlighted that under their government, Assam’s culture is being promoted on every platform. He recalled the historic event of 13 April 2023, when more than 11,000 artists performed the Bihu dance together at the Guwahati stadium, an achievement recognised by Guinness World Records. He noted that by setting new records, Assam is moving forward rapidly.
Underlining that the new terminal building will significantly increase capacity in Guwahati and Assam, enabling more than 1.25 crore passengers to travel annually, PM Modi highlighted that it will also make it easier for devotees to have darshan of Maa Kamakhya. He stated that entering this new airport terminal clearly reflects the true meaning of the mantra of development and heritage. The Prime Minister emphasised that the airport has been designed keeping in mind Assam’s nature and culture, with greenery inside and arrangements resembling an indoor forest. He noted that the design is connected to the surrounding nature, so every passenger feels peace and comfort. He further highlighted the special use of bamboo in the construction, underscoring that bamboo is an integral part of life in Assam, symbolising both strength and beauty.
PM Modi also recalled that their government in a landmark move in 2017, amended the Indian Forest Act, 1927, to legally reclassify bamboo grown in non-forest areas as a “grass” instead of a “tree”. This move, he said, has led to the creation of a wonderful structure in the form of a new Terminal today. PM Modi remarked that today the world’s perspective towards India has changed, and India’s role has also transformed. He highlighted that India is now on the path to becoming the world’s third-largest economy. He questioned how this was achieved within just 11 years and emphasised that the development of modern infrastructure has played a major role. The Prime Minister stated that India is preparing for 2047, with a focus on infrastructure to fulfil its resolve to become a developed nation. He underlined that the most important aspect of this grand development campaign is the participation of every state and every region. He noted that the government is prioritising the underprivileged, ensuring that all states progress together and contribute to the mission of a developed India. He expressed happiness that Assam and the Northeast are leading this mission. PM Modi highlighted that through the Act East Policy, the Northeast has been given priority, and today, Assam is emerging as India’s Eastern Gateway.
He noted that Assam serves as a bridge connecting India and ASEAN countries. He affirmed that this beginning will go much further, and Assam will become an engine of developed India in many sectors. Modi remarked that the government under CM Himanta Biswa Sarma is working diligently to free Assam’s resources from illegal and anti-national encroachments. He highlighted that efforts are being made at every level to ensure Assam’s resources benefit the people of Assam. He stated that the Union government has also taken strict measures to stop infiltration, with identification processes underway to remove illegal infiltrators.
The Prime Minister emphasised that the Opposition and their alliance have openly adopted anti-national agendas, even as the Supreme Court has spoken about removing infiltrators. He noted that these parties are issuing statements in defense of infiltrators, and their lawyers are pleading in court to settle them. He remarked that when the Election Commission is conducting the SIR process to ensure fair elections, these groups are opposing it. The Prime Minister underlined that such people will not protect the interests of Assamese brothers and sisters, and will allow others to occupy their land and forests. He warned that their anti-national mindset could recreate the violence and unrest of earlier times. He stressed that it is therefore essential to remain vigilant, for the people of Assam to stay united, and to continue defeating the Opposition’s conspiracies to prevent Assam’s development from being derailed.
