Aizawl (Mizoram): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday asserted that the Northeastern states of India had long “suffered greatly” under opposition parties practising vote-bank politics, but said that under his government those which were once neglected are now being brought to the forefront. He made these remarks while inaugurating major development works including Mizoram’s first railway line.

Important projects inaugurated in Mizoram

Modi virtually laid the foundation stone and inaugurated development works worth over ₹9,000 crore in Aizawl, among which the Bairabi-Sairang railway line is especially significant. This is the first time Mizoram will be connected to the Indian Railways network.

He also flagged off three express train services: Sairang-Delhi Rajdhani Express, Sairang-Guwahati Express, and Sairang-Kolkata Express.

Vote-bank politics and neglect

Modi criticised earlier governments, particularly naming opposition parties, accusing them of focusing on regions with more seats or votes, while neglecting the Northeast. He argued that this approach led to years of underdevelopment in what he described as “neglected” states. (ThePrint)

He contrasted this with his government’s work over the past 11 years, saying the region has now become a “growth engine of India.”

Infrastructure, connectivity, and development focus

Modi emphasised that the Bairabi-Sairang line is more than just a railway link—it is a “lifeline of transformation” for Mizoram. The enhanced connectivity is expected to improve access to markets, education, healthcare, and job opportunities.

In addition to railway infrastructure, work is underway under schemes such as PM-DevINE for constructing bypasses, roads, bridges, and improving air and road connectivity. He noted that mobile internet, electricity, tap water, LPG connections have been expanded, and that Northeastern states are now getting greater investment and institutional support.

Role of Mizoram and Northeast in national policies

Modi pointed out that Mizoram and the broader Northeast are central to major national initiatives including the Act East Policy and the North East Economic Corridor. He also mentioned multimodal transit projects like the Kaladan project, and announced that air travel connectivity in Mizoram will increase under the UDAN scheme, with helicopter services to remote locations planned.

He highlighted the region’s young population, the rise of start-ups (around 4,500 startups and 25 incubators operating), education infrastructure expansion including Eklavya residential schools, and described the region’s growing participation in sports policies and tourism.

Political context and significance

The speech comes in the backdrop of historical claims by the BJP that opposition parties, particularly Congress and others, had focused on vote bank politics—prioritising electoral strongholds over equitable development. Modi’s remarks underscore a narrative of contrasting governance: that the BJP under his leadership has tried to rectify that imbalance, bringing previously marginalised regions into mainstream development. (ThePrint)

The timing of these developments—major infrastructure announcements, high-visibility projects, and central policy support—may also reflect efforts to strengthen the BJP’s presence and goodwill in the Northeast ahead of future electoral cycles. (Moneycontrol)

Conclusion

PM Modi’s address in Mizoram marks a clear attempt to shift the narrative around development in the Northeast. By highlighting past neglect attributed to vote-bank politics and contrasting it with current efforts—rail connectivity, major infrastructure, educational opportunities—the government is signalling that the region is now a priority. Whether these projects translate into sustained improvement in living standards across all Northeastern states will be observed in the coming years, especially as connectivity and investment increase.