Guwahati, Feb 19 (NationPress) Union Minister Pabitra Margherita made a pointed remark on Thursday, labeling Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra as a "political tourist" during her visit to Assam. He encouraged her to observe the remarkable changes the state has experienced since the end of Congress governance.

In a message shared on the social media platform X, Margherita invited Priyanka to Assam, contrasting what he termed "Congress-era stagnation" with the emergence of a "New Assam" under BJP leadership.

He emphasized that Assam has made substantial advancements in infrastructure, employment, security, and heritage conservation over recent years.

Highlighting industrial development, the Union Minister noted the establishment of a ₹27,000-crore semiconductor facility at Jagiroad, asserting that this project underscores Assam’s rise as a center for advanced technology, despite earlier skepticism from Congress leaders regarding the state’s potential.

Margherita also pointed out that over 1.5 lakh jobs have been generated in the last five years through transparent recruitment processes, replacing what he described as the "job markets" that existed during previous Congress administrations.

He remarked on the enhanced law-and-order situation, stating that families throughout Assam are now enjoying peace after decades of insurgency and fear. He further highlighted reforms in tea garden regions, mentioning that approximately 3.5 lakh tea garden families across more than 850 gardens are finally receiving land rights after nearly 200 years of waiting.

The Minister referenced conservation achievements at Kaziranga National Park, asserting that rhino poaching has significantly decreased due to stringent protection initiatives.

He also pointed out critical infrastructure developments, such as the Emergency Landing Facility on the Moran Highway, which allows for fighter jet landings for the first time in the Northeast.

Margherita outlined several other projects, including the upcoming twin-tube tunnel between Gohpur and Numaligarh, the removal of encroachments at Batadrava Than, and the UNESCO World Heritage designation of Charaideo Moidam.

He concluded his remarks by inviting Priyanka Gandhi to honor the martyrs of the Assam Movement at Swahid Smarak Kshetra, reiterating that the state's developmental path today "speaks for itself."

Notably, Priyanka Gandhi arrived in Guwahati earlier on Thursday and visited the Kamakhya temple on Nilachal Hill to seek blessings.

She is expected to conduct extensive meetings with various Congress leaders regarding the party's election preparations ahead of the upcoming Assembly polls.