GUWAHATI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in Assam on a 2-day visit on 17 and January 18. On January 17 PM Modi attended the largest Bagurumba Dwhou, a Bodo community traditional dance, program in Guwahati.
Addressing a huge gathering on the occasion, PM Modi remarked that whenever Assam’s art, culture, and identity are honoured, some people feel troubled. Jibing at the Congress party, he asked, ‘Who does not appreciate Assam’s honour?’ PM Modi pointed out that it was the Congress party that opposed conferring the Bharat Ratna on Bhupen Hazarika, and that the same Congress party, along with its national president’s son and minister, opposed the semiconductor unit in Assam. PM Modi added that even today, when he wears something connected to Assam’s culture, it is the opposition that mocks it.
PM Modi asserted that Assam and Bodoland had remained cut off from the mainstream for decades due to the Congress party’s negligence alone. He said that the Congress party created instability in Assam for its political gains and pushed the state into the fire of violence. He recalled that after independence, Assam faced challenges, but instead of addressing them, the then-ruling dispensation exploited those problems for political gain. Criticising the Congress party, PM Modi stressed that when trust was needed, they sowed division; when dialogue was needed, they neglected it and closed the doors of communication. He highlighted that the voice of Bodoland was never properly heard. He stated that when Assam needed healing and service, Congress instead opened the doors for infiltrators and focused on welcoming them.
PM Modi asserted that the Congress party does not consider the people of Assam its own, preferring foreign infiltrators who become its loyal vote bank. He remarked that under the Congress Party’s rule, infiltrators kept coming, occupied lakhs of bighas of land, and were aided by the government. PM Modi expressed happiness that today, under the leadership of Himanta Biswa Sarma, the government is freeing lakhs of bighas of land from infiltrators and restoring it to the rightful people of Assam. He highlighted that the Congress party has always treated Assam and the entire Northeast with neglect, never considering their development important, and deliberately pushed the region into difficulties.
The Prime Minister emphasized that cleaning up the sins of Congress is being done by BJP governments at Union and state, and the pace of development visible today is proof. He noted the formation of the Bodo-Kachari Welfare Autonomous Council, the allocation of a special development package of ₹1500 crore for Bodoland, the establishment of a medical college and hospital in Kokrajhar, and the acceleration of construction of a medical college in Tamulpur. He added that nursing colleges and paramedical institutions are creating new opportunities for youth, while polytechnic and training institutes have been set up in Gobardhana, Parbatjhora, and Horisinga.
Modi underlined that their government has bridged distances—between hearts, between Assam and Delhi, and within Assam itself through improved infrastructure. Areas once difficult to reach now have highways, and new roads are opening opportunities. He cited the Bishmuri-Saralpara road project connecting Kokrajhar to the Bhutan border, with crores allocated, and the proposed Kokrajhar–Gelephu rail project, declared a special railway project and made part of the Act East Policy, which will boost trade and tourism. The Prime Minister stressed that when society remains connected to its roots, when dialogue and trust are strong, and when equal opportunities are available to all sections, positive change becomes visible. He said Assam and Bodoland are progressing in this direction, with Assam’s confidence, capability, and progress adding new strength to India’s growth story. PM Modi highlighted that Assam is among the fastest-growing states, that its economy is gaining momentum, and that Bodoland and its people are playing a crucial role in this transformation. He once again extended his best wishes to all for the day’s grand celebration.
Governor of Assam, Lakshman Prasad Acharya, Chief Minister of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma, and Union Ministers Sarbananda Sonowal and Pabitra Margherita were among the other dignitaries present at the event.
