Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday launched a blistering critique of the Congress, claiming the party consistently overlooked Assam and the wider Northeast when it was in power and failed to protect the region’s interests. Speaking at a public gathering in Guwahati after inaugurating the city’s new airport terminal, Modi alleged that past governments allowed illegal infiltration to flourish, threatening Assam’s security, land and cultural identity.

Referring to the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, the Prime Minister said the exercise was meant to prevent infiltrators from influencing India’s democratic processes. He accused certain groups of attempting to protect such elements, asserting that the Centre was taking firm action to curb infiltration and safeguard national interests.

Modi said that for decades, Assam’s development was not a priority under Congress rule, and alleged that infiltrators were permitted to occupy forest land and other areas, weakening the state’s social and economic fabric. According to him, the BJP-led governments at the Centre and in Assam are now working to undo those long-standing lapses.

Highlighting what he described as the benefits of a “double-engine government,” Modi said development initiatives in Assam were progressing smoothly and continuously, likening the momentum to the steady flow of the Brahmaputra. He added that Assam and the Northeast were rapidly emerging as crucial drivers of India’s overall growth.

Later in the day, the Prime Minister led a large roadshow through Guwahati, drawing crowds along the route from Sarusajai to the BJP’s state headquarters near Basistha Chariali. The roadshow marked the first day of his two-day Assam visit.

Earlier, Modi had unveiled a statue of Assam’s first Chief Minister Gopinath Bordoloi, inaugurated the new terminal at Guwahati airport, and addressed a public meeting. He also chaired a closed-door session with BJP’s state leadership to review strategy and preparations for the upcoming Assembly elections.