Assam: Narendra Modi on Monday said the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is committed to driving Assam’s prosperity, self-reliance and global recognition, while highlighting the party’s role in bringing peace and stability to the state over the past decade.
Addressing a public rally in Barpeta ahead of the Assembly polls scheduled for April 9, the Prime Minister said the BJP government has transformed Assam by reducing insecurity and safeguarding its cultural identity.
Modi said the past 10 years of BJP governance in Assam were focused on restoring peace and harmony. He added that the coming years would emphasise economic growth and global visibility for the state.
“The coming years will bring more prosperity, self-reliance, and recognition for Assam across the world,” he said, urging voters to continue supporting the BJP.
Call for women’s reservation support
The Prime Minister also appealed to political parties to support the proposed legislation aimed at fast-tracking the implementation of 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies.
He urged women in Assam to pressurise leaders across parties to pass the bill unanimously during the special session of Parliament, while cautioning against misinformation surrounding the legislation.
Welfare schemes and farmer benefits highlighted
Modi highlighted several welfare initiatives, including the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi, under which farmers in Assam have reportedly received over ₹7,500 crore directly into their bank accounts.
He contrasted this with previous regimes, alleging that funds meant for farmers were diverted through intermediaries. The Prime Minister also pointed to subsidised fertiliser prices, stating that while global urea prices reached ₹3,000 per sack, Indian farmers received it at around ₹300.
On minimum support price (MSP), Modi said rice MSP increased from ₹1,300 per quintal during previous governments to ₹2,370 under the BJP. He added that total MSP payouts rose significantly from ₹4 lakh crore (2004–2014) to ₹16 lakh crore between 2014 and 2024.
Criticism of Congress and focus on security
Targeting the Indian National Congress, Modi accused it of neglecting tribal communities and failing to address violence in the northeast.
He said that in earlier years, around 1,000 people were killed annually in violence in the region, while recent peace agreements have led to nearly 10,000 individuals laying down arms, contributing to stability.
Modi also alleged that the Congress supported undocumented immigration into Assam and warned that such policies could threaten the state’s identity. He emphasised that the BJP government has taken steps to remove encroachments and grant land rights to indigenous communities.
Conclusion
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address in Barpeta underscored the BJP’s focus on development, welfare delivery and security in Assam ahead of the Assembly elections. While highlighting achievements in governance, he also mounted a strong political attack on the opposition, setting the tone for a closely watched electoral contest in the state.