Guwahati, Dec 20 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a pointed critique of the Congress party on Saturday, charging them with decades of neglect toward the Northeast, an oversight that he claimed has grave consequences for national security.

During the inauguration of the new terminal building at the Guwahati airport, the Prime Minister noted that the region has endured prolonged hardships due to policy inaction and a lack of political resolve from past Congress-led administrations.

Specifically mentioning Assam, PM Modi accused the governance during the Congress era of enabling widespread illegal infiltration, leading to demographic and security issues that still plague the state.

He highlighted that previous Congress governments neglected to take decisive action, choosing to focus on vote-bank politics rather than safeguarding borders and the interests of local communities.

The Prime Minister emphasized that the current BJP-led government is dedicated to making Assam free from illegal infiltration through lawful and transparent initiatives.

However, he expressed concerns that Congress and its allies are trying to undermine these efforts by supporting infiltrators and questioning measures taken to secure both the state and the nation.

PM Modi also defended the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, describing it as a legitimate constitutional process aimed at ensuring free and fair elections.

He remarked that the Congress's discomfort with this process became apparent as illegal infiltrators were being identified and removed from voter lists, which has resulted in many being compelled to leave the country.

The Prime Minister reiterated that the protection of democracy and national security should not be compromised for political gain, adding that the people in the Northeast are experiencing a significant change in governance and advancement under the BJP-led administration.

Earlier, PM Modi inaugurated the new terminal building of the Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati, marking a significant step forward for Assam's aviation infrastructure.

Accompanied by Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, the Prime Minister stated that the modern terminal is designed to accommodate an annual passenger capacity of 13.1 million and is expected to greatly improve air connectivity in the Northeast, setting new standards in sustainability and technology-driven airport operations across the nation.

The terminal boasts state-of-the-art facilities, enhanced passenger amenities, and eco-friendly features aimed at ensuring smooth travel experiences.

This project is part of the government's broader initiative to bolster infrastructure and enhance regional connectivity as part of its aviation expansion strategy.

PM Modi concluded by stating that the new terminal building would significantly contribute to Assam's infrastructure and economic development, asserting that improved aviation facilities would be vital for boosting tourism, trade, and investment in the region, thereby further integrating the Northeast with the rest of the country.