Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s second day in the Northeast saw him inaugurating and laying the foundation stones for projects in Assam, valued at 19,000 crore rupees. During his address, he underscored the upcoming festive season and encouraged the public to prioritize the purchase of indigenous goods. He stated that the origin of the company is irrelevant; the key is to buy products manufactured within India.
In his speech, PM Modi targeted the Congress, accusing them of insulting Bhupen Hazarika. He highlighted Congress’s remarks, adding that as a devotee of Lord Shiva, he takes upon all challenges, expressing his disappointment at the perceived disrespect towards the people of Assam.
Modi stated, ‘140 crore countrymen are my remote control,’ and that he has no other. He criticized the Congress for its perceived arrogance, urging the people of Assam and the nation to seek answers from the Congress regarding the alleged insult of Bhupen Da. He stressed the importance of respecting Assam’s cultural heritage and ensuring its rapid development as a top priority for the ‘double-engine’ government.
Regarding Assam’s development, the Prime Minister mentioned that the collaborative efforts of the government and Assam are bringing the state into prominence both nationally and globally. He highlighted India’s status as one of the fastest-growing economies worldwide, with Assam also experiencing rapid growth. He contrasted the earlier challenges with the current 13 percent growth rate and acknowledged the consistent support for Chief Minister Himanta and his team, underlining the BJP government’s dedication to making Assam an engine of India’s development. The announcement included development projects worth 6,500 crore rupees. The PM congratulated everyone on the Darrang Medical College, highways, and ring roads. He emphasized that the entire nation is unitedly progressing towards building a developed India. He said that a developed India represents both a dream and a commitment for the youth, and the Northeast plays a crucial role in this.
Modi declared that the next phase of the 21st century belongs to the Northeast. He stressed the significance of strong connectivity for rapid development and the government’s focus on this aspect. This initiative has generated new job opportunities for the youth. He drew a contrast between the Congress’s long-standing governance, with only three bridges built on the Brahmaputra, and the current government’s construction of six major bridges within a decade. He emphasized that the country is being prepared for the future, keeping in mind the needs of the next 25-50 years, with the aim of achieving a developed India by 2047, which is India’s 100th year of independence.
He announced that GST rates will be reduced on the first day of Navratri, leading to reduced costs for healthcare and insurance. He said that this step will enhance the celebratory atmosphere of the festive season. He urged people during the festive period to purchase only ‘Swadeshi’ (indigenous) goods. He requested everyone to commit to buying Made in India products, defining his view of ‘Swadeshi’ as products manufactured in India, regardless of the company’s origin. He asserted that the financial benefits and labor should remain within India, and the products should embody the spirit of India.
