PM Modi Honors Pulwama Martyrs, Points to India's Retaliatory Strength
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid solemn tribute on Saturday to the 40 CRPF personnel who lost their lives in the devastating Pulwama terror attack, marking the seventh anniversary of the tragic event. Speaking in Guwahati, the Prime Minister emphasized that "the world has seen how India punished the perpetrators" of the attack, directly referencing Operation Sindoor as a powerful demonstration of the nation's resolve and military capability.
Contrasting Governance: BJP's Action vs. Congress's Inaction
Addressing a gathering of BJP workers, Prime Minister Modi launched a comprehensive and pointed critique of the Congress party, drawing sharp contrasts between their historical governance and the current administration's achievements. "Today's Bharat is not only strengthening its borders, but also responding to the country's enemies by entering their homes," Modi declared, underscoring a proactive security posture that he claimed was absent under previous governments.
He questioned the Congress party's commitment to national interests, stating, "Did we ever expect Congress to have the courage to take decisions for the country's interest? They can at most make statements, they cannot do anything." Modi accused the Congress of neglecting national security, failing to acknowledge Mother India, and leaving the northeastern region in a prolonged state of fear and insecurity.
Allegations of Corruption and Polarization
The Prime Minister further alleged that during Congress's tenure, military procurement was consistently marred by corruption scandals worth thousands of crores of rupees. He also charged the party with engaging in divisive vote-bank politics and protecting infiltrators, contrasting this with the BJP's stated commitment to ending illegal immigration.
In a striking remark, Modi linked Congress with other groups, saying, "The partition of the country took place due to the Muslim League, but now there is 'MMC' – Maoist, Muslim League, Congress – and people should be aware." He asserted that the next five years will be crucial for Assam in addressing these issues under BJP leadership.
Transformation of the Northeast: From Insecurity to Development
Prime Minister Modi highlighted what he described as a remarkable transformation in India's northeastern region, which he said was once synonymous with insecurity but is now experiencing rapid and comprehensive development. "India is building magnificent highways, tunnels, high-rise bridges, and modern airfields on its borders. It is enhancing the nation's security, and that is why Congress is bewildered," he stated.
He provided specific examples to illustrate this progress:
- Construction of five bridges over the Brahmaputra River in just ten years under BJP governance, compared to only three bridges built in seven decades under Congress rule.
- The establishment of a Tata group semiconductor plant at Jagiroad, symbolizing Assam's expanding economic ambitions beyond its traditional tea industry.
- Recognition of over 125 individuals from the Northeast with Padma awards since 2014, acknowledging their contributions to national life.
Political Context and Future Directions
Modi characterized the Congress party, which has been out of power in Assam for a decade, as "more dangerous than when it was in power," citing what he called "venomous statements" from its leaders. He urged BJP workers to maintain continuous engagement with the public beyond election cycles, describing them as the "oxygen of the party" and promising that the support shown to the BJP would be reciprocated "with interest through development."
The Prime Minister also took a moment to honor former Union minister Kabindra Purkayastha, who passed away last month, praising his lifelong dedication to both Assam and the political party he served.
Through his address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi wove together themes of national security remembrance, political accountability, regional development, and future aspirations, presenting a narrative of decisive action and transformative governance under his administration while firmly critiquing the opposition's historical record.
