PM Modi Highlights Northeast Development and Rhino Conservation Efforts

Addressing the Challenges of the Northeast

Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized that the primary struggle for the Northeast has always been its distance—both emotional and geographical. For decades, residents felt that the nation's progress was occurring elsewhere, leaving them behind. This sentiment affected not just the economy but also trust in governance. The BJP has worked to change this narrative, prioritizing development in the Northeast through a 'double engine' government. Initiatives to connect Assam via roadways, railways, airways, and waterways have been launched simultaneously. In contrast, the Congress party showed little concern during its tenure, allocating only about ₹2000 crores for railways in Assam, which the current BJP government has increased to nearly ₹10,000 crores annually.

Boosting Tourism and Local Economy

Modi noted that when nature is preserved, opportunities arise. In recent years, Kaziranga has seen a steady increase in tourist numbers, providing local youth with new income sources through homestays, guiding services, transportation, handicrafts, and small businesses. He praised the Assam government for its efforts, recalling a time when rhino poaching was a major concern, with numerous incidents reported in 2013-14. The BJP government took decisive action to halt this trend.

Strengthening Conservation Efforts

Following the alarming poaching incidents, security measures were significantly enhanced, modern resources were provided to the forest department, and monitoring systems were strengthened, with increased participation from women. As a result, there have been no reported poaching incidents in 2025. Recent election outcomes reflect a clear mandate from voters who prioritize good governance and development, favoring the BJP. The message from these elections is clear: the public is rejecting Congress's negative politics, as evidenced by its decline in Mumbai, where it has fallen to the fourth or fifth position.

BJP's Growing Popularity

PM Modi stated that the BJP has become the preferred choice for people across the nation. Over the past year and a half, public trust in the party has steadily increased. In the recent Bihar elections, voters gave the BJP a record number of votes, and the results from mayoral and council elections in major cities of Maharashtra indicate a significant mandate for the party. The people of Mumbai, one of the world's largest municipalities, have granted the BJP an unprecedented mandate, celebrating victories in Kaziranga.

Trust in Governance

Citing the success of the BJP in municipal elections in Maharashtra and Kerala, Modi remarked that voters are placing their trust in the party for good governance and development. The BJP has emerged as the first choice for citizens across the country, with increasing confidence reflected in recent electoral outcomes.