Did Congress Provide Shelter to Infiltrators and Disturb Assam's Demography?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- PM Modi highlights Congress's failures in Assam's development.
- The BJP government is committed to protecting indigenous rights.
- Historical grievances from the 1962 Chinese aggression still impact public sentiment.
- Modi contrasts BJP's infrastructure achievements with Congress's record.
- Concerns over demographic shifts in Assam are a central political issue.
Guwahati, Sep 14 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday criticized the Congress party, claiming that during its governance in Assam, it provided refuge to infiltrators while neglecting development in the region.
Inaugurating multiple projects in Golaghat district, PM Modi stated, “For many years, Congress held power in Assam but failed to foster progress; instead, they sheltered infiltrators, leading to demographic changes in Assam.”
Commending the current BJP government, he remarked, “Our administration is committed to eradicating illegal infiltration from Assam. We are actively working to safeguard the rights of the indigenous population by granting land rights to Scheduled Tribes (ST).”
He highlighted that under BJP's rule, the state has seen significant development initiatives, thanks to the efficient functioning of the double-engine government.
Previously, the Prime Minister sharply criticized Congress, asserting that the harm caused to the people of Assam by Jawaharlal Nehru's policies during the 1962 Chinese aggression remains unresolved.
While addressing a large public assembly in Darrang district, he noted that the Northeast was left vulnerable during the Chinese advance, pointing to what he characterized as a “betrayal” by Congress leadership at that time. “The impacts of that neglect are still vivid in the minds of the people. Today’s Congress continues to prioritize infiltrators and anti-national elements instead of supporting our Army and nation,” he stated.
PM Modi charged Congress with “endangering the security and identity of Assam” by purportedly protecting illegal infiltrators and attempting to alter the state’s demographic landscape. He contrasted this with the BJP's unwavering commitment to prevent encroachment on Assam's land and cultural integrity.
In a harsh critique of Congress's performance, the Prime Minister noted: “For decades, Congress managed Assam but constructed only three bridges over the Brahmaputra. In the past decade, our government has successfully completed six new bridges. This highlights the disparity between their negligence and our dedication to connectivity and progress.”