Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a sharp attack on the Congress party during his visit to Guwahati on Saturday. He accused Congress leaders of creating instability in Assam for political gains. Modi claimed they preferred foreign infiltrators to build a vote bank.
Massive Bodo Cultural Performance
PM Modi arrived in Guwahati from poll-bound West Bengal for a two-day visit. He attended a grand 'Bagurumba Dahou' performance featuring 10,000 dancers. These dancers came from 23 districts and 81 Assembly constituencies across Assam.
The Bagurumba is a traditional folk dance of the Bodo community. Modi described it as more than just a festival. He called it a medium to honor Bodo traditions and remember great community leaders.
Remembering Bodo Leaders
The Prime Minister paid tribute to several prominent Bodo personalities. He mentioned Bodofa Upendranath Brahma, Gurudev Kalicharan Brahma, and Rupnath Brahma. Other leaders included Satish Chandra Basumatary, Moradam Brahma, and Kankeshwar Narzary.
Modi praised these figures for strengthening social reform and cultural renaissance. He acknowledged their role in fostering political consciousness within the community.
Political Context and Alliances
This cultural outreach coincides with ongoing political preparations for Assembly elections. The BJP is working to maintain alliances with major Bodo parties in Assam. These include the Bodoland People's Front and the United People's Party Liberal.
The Bodos represent Assam's largest tribal community. They constitute approximately five percent of the state's population. The Bodoland Territorial Region covers roughly 15 of Assam's 126 Assembly constituencies.
Peace Accord Achievements
PM Modi highlighted the significance of the 2020 Bodo Peace Accord. He stated this agreement ended years of conflict in the Bodo belt. The accord restored trust and brought thousands of young people back into the mainstream.
"Since the peace agreement," Modi declared, "our government has continuously worked for Bodoland's development." He mentioned accelerated rehabilitation processes and financial assistance worth crores for youth.
Strong Criticism of Congress
The Prime Minister placed full responsibility for Assam's past troubles on Congress. "Assam and the Bodoland region remained cut off from the mainstream for decades," he asserted. "Congress is solely responsible for this situation."
Modi accused Congress of pushing Assam into violence for political gain. He claimed Congress leaders did not consider Assam's people as their own. Instead, they allegedly preferred foreign infiltrators who became a staunch vote bank.
"During Congress rule," Modi alleged, "foreign infiltrators continued arriving in Assam. They occupied millions of acres of land while Congress governments assisted them."
Event Preparation Details
Assam Cultural Affairs Minister Bimal Borah explained the extensive preparations. Twenty-five experts trained nearly 400 instructors earlier this month. These instructors then taught dancers across various districts.
Dancers arrived in Guwahati on January 12 for rehearsals. They practiced at the Sarusajai stadium venue to perfect their performance.
Other Scheduled Events
During his two-day visit, PM Modi has additional engagements planned. On Sunday, he will perform a 'bhoomi poojan' for the Kaziranga Elevated Corridor Project. He will also flag off two new Amrit Bharat Express trains.
This marks Modi's second visit to Assam in less than a month. The timing aligns closely with upcoming Assembly elections in the state.
Recent Cultural Showcases
The Bagurumba Dahou performance follows other large cultural events in Assam. Less than a year ago, around 8,600 artists performed the Jhumur dance for the Prime Minister. This dance represents tea garden communities.
In April 2023, Modi witnessed a Bihu performance featuring approximately 11,000 artists. State governments pitch these mass performances as efforts to showcase Assam's diverse cultural traditions.
Current Political Challenges
Despite the cultural celebration, some challenges remain. A section of Bodo organizations expresses discontent with state government actions. They criticize support for Scheduled Tribe status demands for six major communities ahead of elections.
The BJP faces the complex task of managing alliances between rival Bodo parties. Both the Bodoland People's Front and United People's Party Liberal hold significant influence in their regions.
PM Modi's visit emphasizes development achievements while criticizing previous administrations. His messages target both Bodo community sentiments and broader political narratives ahead of state elections.
