New Delhi, March 30 – Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused the Congress of "allowing" land grabbing by infiltrators, stating that infiltration into Assam is not just an election issue but also about safeguarding the state's identity and national security.
Addressing BJP workers at the grassroots level in Assam ahead of the April 9 assembly elections, Modi said that the state experienced a long period of instability, but things changed in the past decade as the party's dual-engine government made every effort to ensure peace.
He emphasized the need to remind first-time voters about the "misrule" of previous Congress governments in Assam and caution them that even minor mistakes can push the state back, noting that BJP members are working hard to secure a third term for the party in the state.
"Infiltration is not just an election issue. It is about safeguarding Assam's identity and national security. The Congress allowed illegal land grabbing by infiltrators," he said.
He continued, "Wherever infiltrators settle, they take over small businesses and the livelihoods of local people." This comment was made during the 'Mera Booth, Sabse Mazboot Samvaad' initiative by the ruling BJP, aimed at directly connecting with party activists in states holding elections.
Modi stated that BJP workers must be fully aware of illegal land grabbing cases and the problems faced by local people, as well as the plight of those affected by illegal infiltrators.
"People must know that the Congress allowed encroachment, but the BJP is protecting rights," he said.
Modi noted that the government had signed 12 peace agreements with various organizations in the Northeast. He said that BJP workers must remind people how the Congress "used to make agreements only on paper to create headlines and mislead people."
"We have seen the era when Assam was plagued by violence. Assam experienced a long period of instability, but things have changed in the past decade. But today, we can see a new confidence as the BJP's dual-engine government has made every effort for peace," he said.
Modi also alleged that under the Congress, peace agreements were sidelined, leaving young people vulnerable and prone to unrest.
"No agreement with insurgents and student organizations worked during the Congress rule in Assam. The Congress betrayed the Bodo cause."
"The BJP worked to establish peace and secure the future of the youth. We are sincerely implementing peace agreements on the ground. Assam has witnessed how peace has been established through honest efforts in the past decade," he said.
Modi also highlighted the rich culture of the Bodo tribal areas, noting that the Congress had neglected the region for decades.
"I am glad that there is peace now. Bodoland once faced curfews and the sound of bombs, but today there is peace and stability. This is a model for the entire country, a region that once saw violence is now moving towards peace," he said.
Modi said that everyone is working hard for the BJP-led NDA government's third term in Assam.
"I welcome the BJP workers in Assam. I am one of you. Whatever responsibility is given to me, I fulfill it. Today, at the booth level, I got the opportunity to speak to you. I know you are busy and all of you are committed to 'mera booth sabse mazboot'," he said.
He stressed the need to inform first-time and young voters about the "misrule" of the previous Congress governments in Assam.
"Peace is the primary requirement for a state's development," the PM said, adding that no agreement with insurgents and student organizations worked during the Congress rule in Assam.
Modi also urged Assam BJP booth workers to caution people against AI-generated videos circulating in the state.
The prime minister said that the BJP booth workers must organize programs where the experiences of those who left violence and joined the mainstream can be heard.
He said all BJP workers must have the NaMo App, through which the BJP members will get detailed information about whatever the party is doing for the empowerment of 'Nari Shakti'.
"The BJP's dual-engine government is the first choice of women across India," he asserted.
Modi said the party workers will also learn about the benefits of a dual-engine government, such as the 'Orunodoi' scheme in Assam and the Lakhpati Didi program.
"Across digital platforms, the success stories of Lakhpati Didis must be shared with the people," he said.
The prime minister said party workers must visit booths in tea gardens and should organize tiffin meetings or 'Chai Pe Charcha' and listen to the stories and problems people faced in the past.
"They will tell you how they were left at the mercy of companies. Young people must also be part of these meetings," he said.
Modi said the NDA government has done a lot, but people still have many expectations.
He said the land rights given to tea garden workers will secure the future of thousands of such families and ensure their dignity.
He also alleged that the West Bengal government is not letting central schemes reach the tea garden workers in that state.
The elections for the 126-member Assam Assembly will be held on April 9. The BJP-led NDA government has been in power in Assam since 2016.
