Did Congress Insult Bhupen Hazarika? PM Modi Expresses Hurt in Assam

Darrang, Sep 14 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the groundwork for several vital infrastructure and industrial projects in Assam's Darrang on Sunday.

He criticized Congress for having "disrespected" Bharat Ratna Bhupen Hazarika, stating that the party has a history of "disregarding the feelings of the Northeast region".

Large crowds gathered in Mangaldoi, where the Prime Minister laid the foundation for a cluster of health education projects, including a new Medical College and Hospital, a GNM school, and a B.Sc Nursing College.

Moreover, he unveiled the foundation stone for the Guwahati Ring Road Project, aimed at alleviating traffic congestion and enhancing urban connectivity, along with the Kuruwa-Narengi Bridge over the Brahmaputra, which is expected to improve regional transport.

While addressing the audience, PM Modi remarked, "Yesterday marked my first visit to Assam post Operation Sindoor, a successful mission blessed by Maa Kamakhya. Today, I am experiencing another sacred moment in this revered land, coinciding with the celebrations of Janmashtami. From the Red Fort, I had mentioned Chakradhari Mohan, and envisioned a Sudarshan Chakra in our future security policy."

Upon his arrival in Guwahati on Saturday, PM Modi participated in the centenary celebrations of Bharat Ratna Bhupen Hazarika, paying tribute to the iconic singer and cultural figure.

Reflecting on the centenary celebrations held the previous day, he expressed, "I had the honor to participate in the tributes to him. The remarkable people of Assam dreamt of a brighter future for our ancestors, and today, the BJP's double-engine government is earnestly working to realize those dreams."

"After the celebrations, the Chief Minister shared a statement from a Congress president and showed me a video. It was from the day the Indian government decided to confer the Bharat Ratna on Bhupen Hazarika. That day, the Congress chief remarked, 'Modi is awarding the Bharat Ratna to those who merely sing and dance.' This reminded me of a statement made by former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru in 1962, during the China war, which similarly undermined Northeast citizens," PM Modi recalled.

"Now, the current Congress leadership continues this trend of disrespecting the sentiments of our region," he added.

"I can tolerate personal attacks, as I am a devotee of Lord Shiv and can withstand adversity. However, when others face such disgraceful insults, it pains me deeply. Is my decision to honor Bhupen Da with the Bharat Ratna just or unjust? Is Congress’s insult towards him right or wrong? This deeply affects me," he stated.

In his critique of Congress, he asserted, "They will dismiss my concerns, claiming I’m merely complaining; yet, for me, my Northeast is sacred, and if I don’t voice our issues here, where else can I go?"

Later that day, PM Modi is set to visit Numaligarh in the Golaghat district, where he will inaugurate Assam Bio-Ethanol Private Limited’s clean energy initiative, aimed at fostering sustainable fuel production.

Additionally, he will lay the foundation stone for a polypropylene plant at Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL), which is anticipated to bolster the petrochemical sector and create significant employment opportunities.