Darrang (Assam): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday unveiled a ₹6,500-crore package of development projects in Darrang, signalling the government’s intent to position Assam as a cornerstone of India’s growth story. Addressing thousands of people braving heavy rain, the Prime Minister underscored Assam’s rapid rise, celebrated its cultural icons, and pledged to strengthen connectivity, healthcare, and economic opportunities across the state.
Cultural Roots and Operation Sindoor
The Prime Minister began by recalling the recent success of Operation Sindoor, which he described as a divine blessing from Maa Kamakhya, and extended Janmashtami greetings to the people. He hailed Darrang as “the centre point of Assam’s identity”, where culture, history, and future aspirations converge.
Modi paid tribute to Bharat Ratna Bhupen Hazarika and condemned the Congress Party for its dismissive remarks on awarding India’s highest civilian honour to the Assamese icon. “When the Congress mocked Bhupen Da, they insulted Assam and Bharat’s great soul,” he said, urging the people to hold the opposition accountable.
Assam’s Growth Momentum
Highlighting the state’s progress, Modi praised Assam’s near 13% growth rate, attributing the success to the “double-engine government” of the BJP at the Centre and in Assam. He said the state had transformed from lagging behind in development to emerging as one of the fastest-growing states in the country.
“This is your achievement,” Modi told the crowd, applauding the people for their hard work and continuous electoral support, including the recent panchayat polls where the BJP secured a sweeping victory.
Connectivity Revolution
Placing connectivity at the core of Assam’s transformation, the Prime Minister drew a sharp contrast with past governments. He noted that while Congress built only three bridges over the Brahmaputra in six decades, the BJP had delivered six in just ten years.
On Sunday, he laid the foundation for the Kurua–Narengi bridge, which will drastically cut travel time between Guwahati and Darrang. He also announced a ring road project linking five national highways, two state highways, one airport, three railway stations, and an inland water terminal — a comprehensive multi-modal connectivity network for Assam.
Healthcare and Education Expansion
The Prime Minister inaugurated the Darrang Medical College and Hospital, which increases the number of medical colleges in Assam from six in 2014 to 24 today. He highlighted that India has doubled its medical colleges in the last 11 years and committed to adding one lakh new medical seats in the coming five years.
Special focus, he said, was being given to cancer treatment facilities in Assam, underlining that such investments not only enhance healthcare access but also generate opportunities for the state’s youth to pursue medical careers.
GST Relief and Swadeshi Appeal
Modi announced a major economic relief package, declaring that GST rates will be reduced significantly from the first day of Navratri. The decision, he said, will lower costs on cement, essential medicines, insurance, and vehicles. “This will benefit every family, every farmer, every shopkeeper,” he assured.
He also issued a passionate call for people to adopt Swadeshi, urging them to prioritise Made in India products. “Every product manufactured in Bharat should carry the fragrance of our soil,” he said, encouraging shopkeepers to display boards proudly declaring: ‘Say with pride, this is Swadeshi’.
National Security and Infiltration
The Prime Minister launched a sharp attack on the Congress, accusing it of siding with anti-national forces and enabling illegal infiltration. He lauded Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for freeing thousands of bighas of encroached land and converting it into agricultural hubs like the Garukhuti Project, which now produces crops such as mustard, maize, and sesame.
“This government will not allow infiltrators to seize our resources or endanger our security,” he said, announcing the launch of a nationwide demography mission to safeguard border areas and prevent demographic shifts.
Vision for the Future
Modi positioned the North East at the heart of India’s growth narrative, declaring that the next phase of the 21st century “belongs to the East and the North East”. He urged people to stay united in preserving Assam’s cultural heritage while embracing rapid development.
Concluding his address with chants of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai”, the Prime Minister said: “We must make Assam and the North East the growth engine of a ‘Viksit Bharat’. Your time has come. This is Assam’s time, this is the North East’s time.”