Guwahati, December 20: Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday that his government is correcting the decades-old mistakes of Congress one by one, and today Assam is emerging as India’s ‘Eastern Gateway’.
He alleged that the development of Assam and the entire Northeast was never a priority for previous Congress governments, due to which the region faced long-term neglect.
Addressing a public gathering after inaugurating the new terminal building of Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati, the Prime Minister said that he has a deep connection with the land of Assam. The love and affection of the people here, especially the affection of the mothers and sisters of Assam and the Northeast, constantly inspires him and strengthens his resolve to develop the Northeast. He said that today is a celebration of development not just for Assam, but for the entire Northeast.
Modi said that just as the mighty Brahmaputra never stops flowing in Assam, the stream of development in the state is also flowing continuously under the BJP’s double-engine government. The inauguration of the new terminal at Guwahati Airport is a testament to this commitment. He congratulated the people of Assam and the country for this.
Modi described modern airport facilities and connectivity infrastructure as doors to new opportunities for any state, saying that these facilities provide a strong foundation for growing confidence and public trust.
He said that as soon as a passenger steps into this new terminal, they see a living example of the mantra of “development and heritage.” This terminal has been designed keeping in mind the nature and culture of Assam, with special attention paid to greenery and local identity, ensuring a peaceful and comfortable experience for travelers.
The Prime Minister said that today, when people see the modern airport and highways built in Assam, they feel that justice is being done to the state.
He alleged that the development of Assam and the Northeast was not on the Congress party’s agenda in the past. Congress governments believed the region did not need modern airports, improved railways, and highways, and this led to decades of stagnation.
Referring to the “Act East Policy,” the Prime Minister said his government has given strategic priority to the Northeast. As a result, Assam serves as a vital bridge connecting India to ASEAN countries. He said that Assam’s emergence as the “Eastern Gateway” is just the beginning and will create new opportunities for trade, investment, and employment in the future.
During his address, the Prime Minister urged the public to participate in this celebration of development by turning on the flashlights on their mobile phones. He said this scene will send a message to the entire nation that the Northeast is now moving forward with renewed confidence.
Paying tribute to Assam’s first Chief Minister, Gopinath Bordoloi, he said he was the pride of the state and his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come. Modi said Bordoloi protected Assam’s identity and India’s unity during difficult times, and his statue will remain a source of inspiration for years to come.
The Prime Minister praised Assam’s pioneering role in implementing the Indian Judicial Code and noted that transparency has increased in the state. He said that there was a time when getting a government job without a checklist was considered impossible, but today, under the BJP government, it has become possible.
Modi also discussed violence and insurgency in the Northeast, noting that the region struggled with violence and unrest for a long time during Congress governments. Now, his government has taken concrete steps towards establishing peace. He said that areas previously plagued by bloodshed are now receiving digital connectivity through 4G and 5G technology. Districts once considered violence-prone are now developing as “aspirational districts” and have the potential to become industrial corridors in the future.
Referring to the old law related to bamboo, the Prime Minister said that before 2014, bamboo was considered a tree and its cutting was prohibited, whereas globally it is classified as grass. His government amended this law and gave bamboo its proper recognition, which boosted the local economy and employment.
On the issue of infiltration, the Prime Minister said that the Central Government is taking strict steps to stop illegal infiltration. He alleged that the Congress is pursuing an anti-national agenda on this issue, even though the Supreme Court has called for the removal of illegal infiltrators.
Attacking the Indo-Pak alliance, the Prime Minister said that "traitors" are trying to protect infiltrators by criticizing the SIR process. He said that the Election Commission has initiated a process to ensure that infiltrators are excluded from the electoral process, but "traitors" are trying to protect them.
The Prime Minister said that India is rapidly progressing towards becoming the world’s third largest economy. Modern infrastructure has played a major role in this transformation over the last 11 years.
He said that Assam and the entire North-East will play a crucial role in achieving the goal of a developed India by 2047, and today a new chapter is being added in this direction.