Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the impressive 84-foot-tall statue of Lachit Borphukan, the renowned general of the Royal Army of the Ahom Kingdom of Assam, renowned for his triumph over the Mughals. Lachit Borphukan is celebrated for his remarkable victory against the Mughal forces of Aurangzeb in the Battle of Saraighat, where he vigorously fought to halt the expansion of the Mughal Empire into Assam.
As part of the project, the Assam government also constructed the Lachit and Tai-Ahom Museums along with a 500-seat auditorium. The initiative aims to commemorate the virtues of Lachit Borphukan and raise awareness about his contributions, ultimately promoting tourism and creating employment opportunities in the region. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma attended the event alongside the Prime Minister.
CM Sarma shared on X, “Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji is dedicating the Statue of Valour: A magnificent tribute to Lachit Barphukan – to the people of Bharat at Jorhat.” Additionally, Prime Minister Narendra Modi performed ‘tarpan’ (offering made to divine entities) in Jorhat during his visit.
Earlier in the day, PM Modi enjoyed an elephant ride at Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On the preceding day, he participated in a roadshow in Kaziranga, receiving a warm welcome from locals who organized cultural events in his honor.
Kaziranga National Park, known as Assam’s crown jewel, boasts the largest rhino habitat, over 600 bird species, a thriving dolphin population, and one of the highest densities of tigers.
PM Modi’s two-day visit to the BJP-ruled state is viewed as pivotal for the party’s ongoing campaign and preparations for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, expected to be held between April and May this year.