Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on his second day of the Northeast tour, inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for projects worth 19,000 crore rupees in Assam. During his address, he highlighted the festive season and appealed to the people to prioritize the purchase of indigenous products. He emphasized that the origin of the company should not matter; the focus should be on buying goods manufactured in India.
In his speech, PM Modi criticized the Congress party, accusing them of insulting Bhupen Hazarika. He mentioned the Congress’s stance, adding that as a devotee of Lord Shiva, he accepts all hardships, expressing his disappointment over the perceived disrespect towards the people of Assam.
Modi stated that the 140 crore citizens of the country are his ‘remote control’ and that he has no other. He also criticized the Congress for its perceived arrogance, urging the people of Assam and the nation to seek answers from the Congress regarding the alleged insult of Bhupen Da. He stressed that respecting Assam’s cultural heritage and ensuring its rapid development are top priorities for the ‘double-engine’ government.
Highlighting Assam’s progress, the Prime Minister noted that the combined efforts of the government and Assam have brought the state to the forefront nationally and globally. He mentioned India’s status as one of the fastest-growing countries in the world, with Assam also experiencing rapid growth. He contrasted the earlier stagnation with the current growth rate of 13 percent and acknowledged the continuous support for Chief Minister Himanta and his team, emphasizing the BJP government’s commitment to transforming Assam into an engine of India’s development. The announcement included development projects worth 6,500 crore rupees. The PM extended congratulations for the Darrang Medical College, highways, and ring roads. He stated that the whole country is progressing towards a developed India. He said that a developed India represents both a dream and a commitment for the youth, and the Northeast plays a crucial role in this commitment. He noted that after independence, major economic hubs emerged in Western and Southern India, resulting in the marginalization of a significant portion of Eastern India, but the BJP government is rectifying this situation.
Modi declared that the next phase of the 21st century belongs to the Northeast. He stressed the necessity of robust connectivity for rapid development and the government’s focus on this. This has led to new job opportunities for the youth. He drew a comparison between the Congress’s governance of six decades, with only three bridges constructed on the Brahmaputra, and the current government’s construction of six major bridges within a decade. He pointed out that the country is being prepared for the future, aligning with the needs of the next 25-50 years, with the goal of achieving a developed India by 2047, marking India’s 100th year of independence.
He announced that GST rates would be reduced on the first day of Navratri, leading to cheaper healthcare and insurance. He emphasized that this decision will enhance the festive season’s atmosphere. He appealed to people to buy only ‘Swadeshi’ (indigenous) goods during the festive period. He urged everyone to commit to buying Made in India products, clarifying his understanding of ‘Swadeshi’ as products manufactured in India, irrespective of the company’s origin. He emphasized that the money and labor should be from India, and the products should reflect the essence of India.