Modi Criticizes Congress Over Assam's Land Issues and Infiltration
Prime Minister's Address in Kaliabor
Kaliabor, Jan 18: On Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused the Congress party of compromising Assam's land integrity by allowing infiltrators to settle in exchange for votes during their prolonged governance in the state. He claimed that this unchecked infiltration has had detrimental effects on Assam's culture, environment, and job opportunities.
Speaking at a public event in Kaliabor, where he laid the foundation for the Kaziranga Elevated Corridor project worth Rs 6,957 crore and virtually inaugurated two Amrit Bharat trains, Modi stated that the issue of infiltration escalated significantly under Congress's rule, with illegal immigrants encroaching on forests, wildlife corridors, and traditional institutions.
He remarked, "The number of illegal occupants surged during the Congress administration. These individuals are undermining our culture, disrupting the indigenous communities, and taking away job opportunities from the youth. This poses a significant threat to both Assam and India."
Modi further alleged that the Congress party and its allies have consistently shielded illegal immigrants.
"I am confident that the Congress will face a strong response from Assam, similar to what happened in Bihar," he added.
The Prime Minister emphasized that Assam's development is crucial for the overall progress of the Northeast and the nation. He noted that recent election outcomes indicate a public preference for effective governance, development, and a long-term vision.
Referring to local elections in Maharashtra and the BJP's electoral success in Kerala, including the election of a party mayor, Modi declared that the BJP has become the preferred choice for voters across the country.
"India is increasingly rejecting the negative politics of Congress. They have lost the trust of the nation due to their lack of a progressive agenda," he stated, asserting that the BJP government is committed to preserving Assam's identity and culture by removing infiltrators from the land.
Regarding the Kaziranga Elevated Corridor project, Modi explained that it aims to ensure safe passage for wildlife during floods and protect the region's delicate ecosystem.
He also highlighted that, thanks to the BJP government's conservation initiatives, no rhinos were poached in Kaziranga National Park in 2025.
"India has demonstrated that ecological preservation and economic growth can coexist," he remarked.
Earlier, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma criticized state Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi, accusing him of neglecting Assam's aspirations.
Sarma's comments followed Gogoi's criticism of the Kaziranga corridor project, suggesting that the funds could have been better allocated for constructing river embankments to mitigate Assam's persistent flooding issues.
"You may continue to protest, but Assam aspires to reach new heights, and it will succeed. Today, no Assamese will bow down to Pakistani agents or outsiders," Sarma asserted.
The Chief Minister mentioned that the state government has removed illegal occupants to establish Sankardeva’s Abhibav Kshetra at Batadrava and has cleared encroachments in Kaziranga to facilitate the elevated corridor's construction, emphasizing that these actions are essential for cultural preservation and development.