Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a sharp political attack on Sunday. He accused the main Opposition Congress party of a grave betrayal. Modi claimed Congress handed over Assam's soil to infiltrators just to secure some votes during its decades in power.
Strong Allegations in Kaliabor
Modi made these remarks during a speech in Assam's Kaliabor constituency. He was there to perform the "bhoomi poojan" for a major infrastructure project. The Prime Minister also flagged off two new Amrit Bharat Express trains on important routes.
"Today, we must discuss a major challenge facing Assam," Modi told the crowd. "This challenge is about saving Assam's identity and culture. What did Congress do with Assam? Just to form governments and get some votes, it handed over the soil of Assam to infiltrators."
Detailing the Accusation
The Prime Minister elaborated on his serious charge. He said infiltration increased continuously during Congress rule. These infiltrators, according to Modi, showed no concern for Assam's history, culture, or faith.
"They occupied places everywhere," Modi stated. "Due to infiltration, occupation happened in animal corridors. Illegal poaching was encouraged. Smuggling and other crimes also increased."
Modi connected this to recent political developments. He referenced the Bihar assembly election results. "Congress has only one policy: save the infiltrators, get power with their help," he claimed. "Across the whole country, Congress and its companions are doing this. In Bihar too, they took out journeys and rallies to save infiltrators. But the public of Bihar completely wiped out Congress."
Modi expressed confidence that Assam's people would deliver a similar verdict. "Now it is the turn of the people of Assam," he said. "I am confident Congress will get a befitting reply from the land of Assam as well."
Kaziranga Elevated Corridor Project
Beyond politics, the Prime Minister launched a significant conservation project. He performed the foundation stone ceremony for the Rs 6,950-crore Kaziranga Elevated Corridor.
This 34.5-kilometer elevated road will run along the southern boundary of Kaziranga National Park. It is part of upgrading the existing NH-715 stretch from Kaliabor to Numaligarh.
Protecting Wildlife
The current highway poses a serious threat to park animals. During floods, large parts of Kaziranga get submerged. Animals then cross the highway to reach the highland of Karbi Anglong, risking accidents.
Modi explained how the new corridor will help. "Here, vehicles will pass from above," he said. "The movement of wildlife will continue without any hindrance below. Whether it is the one-horned rhino, elephants, or tigers, the design has been prepared keeping their traditional movement routes in mind."
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma called this a historic milestone. He said it was once unimaginable that a Prime Minister would approve nearly Rs 7,000 crore solely to protect wildlife through such a project.
Improved Connectivity
The Prime Minister highlighted broader benefits. He said the corridor will improve connectivity for Upper Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. The new rail services he flagged off will also create fresh possibilities for Assam's people.
Modi contrasted this with the Congress era. "The biggest pain of the North East has always been that of distance," he noted. "Distance of hearts, distance of places. For decades, people here felt development was happening elsewhere and they were being left behind."
Rail Budget Comparison
The Prime Minister provided specific numbers to support his argument. "When there was a Congress government at the Centre, Assam used to get a very small rail budget, about Rs 2,000 crore," Modi stated. "Now in the BJP government, it has been increased to about Rs 10,000 crore annually. The BJP is giving five times more money to Assam than what Congress used to give for railways."
Modi asserted that Congress never cared about bridging this developmental distance. He positioned the current projects as evidence of his government's commitment to the region.
The Prime Minister's visit and announcements come ahead of Assam assembly elections scheduled for this year. His speech clearly outlined the BJP's campaign themes. The party is focusing on alleged illegal immigration and contrasting its development record with Congress rule.
