Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday slammed the Congress, saying the grand old party “neither has a leader nor policy or ideology”. He also alleged that the previous Congress government and their policies had damaged Assam “socially, culturally, geographically and politically”.
Addressing a public rally in Karimganj ahead of the Assembly elections in Assam, PM Modi said, “On one side, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has a policy, leadership, and good intentions. While on the other side, Congress neither has a leader nor policy or ideology.” The Prime Minister also criticised the Congress for their alliance with the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF).
He alleged that Congress has become so weak that it can go to any extent and join hands with anyone. “Can a party that doesn’t have stable thinking give a stable govt to Assam,” the PM questioned.
He further urged people to vote for the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). He referred to the development works done in Assam over the past five years under the BJP-led government and said attention has been paid to boosting infrastructure.
“Decades ago, this entire region was one that had better connectivity. However, Congress’ corrupt and vote-bank-based governance had made Assam one of the most disconnected states in India. Congress has kept Assam divided in every way, BJP tried to connect Assam in every way. ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas’ is the BJP’s development mantra,” PM Modi said.
“In 2016, when I came here, I was shocked to know that Congress governments ran Divisional Commissioner for Barak Valley from Guwahati. National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government has overcome this injustice,” he added.
PM Modi said rail connectivity was very poor in Barak Valley and people have continuously demanded it. “The quality of roads, too, was poor. People had to travel long distances to reach different parts of Assam. The gas connectivity, too, wasn’t up to the mark. The BJP government is swiftly pulling Assam out of this situation. New roads, flyovers, and bridges are being built. The Bhupen Hazarika Setu has also been completed by our government,” he said.
The Prime Minister said the work done by the NDA government in Assam is also being praised by visitors to the state. “The widening of railway tracks was done on mission mode and big trains are also reaching here. The number of trains reaching this region has doubled in the last few years,” he said.
The Assembly elections in Assam for 126 seats will be held in three phases starting on 27 March. The counting of votes will take place on 2 May.