Guwahati, Feb 14 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a scathing critique of the Congress party during a significant public assembly at Khanapara Playground in Guwahati on Saturday. He accused the Congress of turning a blind eye to the Northeast and deliberately undermining Assam for political benefits.

The Prime Minister emphasized that while the Congress viewed the Northeast as a liability, the BJP government regards the region as 'Ashtalakshmi', the eight pillars of India’s growth.

He pointed out that this transformation in perspective is evident in budget allocations, with the BJP-led Centre disbursing nearly five times the funds for the Northeast compared to previous Congress administrations.

Stressing the Centre’s dedication to Assam, PM Modi mentioned that over the past 11 years, the BJP government has invested more than Rs 5.5 lakh crore in developmental projects within the state.

“The Congress has always shied away from funding Assam. That is why Congress cannot foster development in this region,” he stated.

Taking a direct jab at the Opposition, the Prime Minister noted that Congress leaders have “lost their sleep” over his increasing popularity and the BJP’s growing support in Assam.

He charged the Congress with fueling forces intent on dividing India and claimed that during its tenure, elements seeking to alienate the Northeast from the national narrative were supported.

Speaking of the Brahmaputra, PM Modi remarked that the river is vital to Assam’s existence and economy, yet the Congress failed to develop necessary infrastructure.

“From Independence until 2014, the Congress could only construct three bridges over the Brahmaputra,” he said, adding that from 2014 to 2026, the BJP’s double-engine administration has built five bridges with many more projects underway.

The Prime Minister inaugurated the Guwahati–North Guwahati connecting bridge and referred to it as a symbol of development that respects tradition. He asserted that the BJP offers solutions, while Congress merely creates complications through appeasement politics.

PM Modi stated that the Congress kept Assam in a troubled state characterized by strikes and violence, which resulted in the loss of over 1,000 lives.

“Today, Assam enjoys peace. Many terrorist groups have reintegrated into society,” he said, attributing the restoration of peace and rapid development, including the introduction of the Vande Bharat sleeper train, to the BJP.

Advising voters, PM Modi alleged that a desperate Congress, after being out of power for a decade, seeks to plunge Assam back into chaos and is backing intruders.

He underscored that the upcoming five years are pivotal and that only a robust double-engine BJP government can guarantee swift development for Assam.