PM Modi (PTI photo)
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on the Congress in Assam, taking a swipe at Lok Sabha leader of opposition Rahul Gandhi by calling him a “Rajkumar” and predicting a string of defeats for the grand old party, even as he expressed confidence that the Bharatiya Janata Party-led NDA would secure a “hattrick” in the state, mentioning the strong state leadership under Sarbanand Sonowal and now of Himanta Biswa Sarma.Addressing a public rally in Gogamukh, the Prime Minister struck an aggressive tone, targeting former Congress president Rahul Gandhi with an indirect jibe, referring to him as a “self-proclaimed prince”.PM Modi said, “This is my first public meeting after the announcement of the Assam elections. This ocean of people in front of me, the enthusiasm of the youth, the blessings of the sisters and daughters, this love is an open declaration that this time a hat-trick is certain.”Reiterating his confidence, PM highlighted both his own electoral record and the party’s performance in the state.Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “With the blessings of all of you, I received the opportunity to achieve a hat-trick as Prime Minister. With your blessings, I also received the opportunity to hit a hat-trick on this ground. I have come here for the third time. And with your blessings, the government in Assam is also going to achieve a hat-trick.” He credited the state’s governance over the past decade to former chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal and incumbent CM Himanta Biswa Sarma, asserting that Assam had entered a new phase of development and stability.Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “First under the leadership of Sarbananda Sonowal and then under the leadership of Himanta Biswa Sarma, Assam has witnessed a new era of service and good governance in the past 10 years. These Assam elections are the election to build a developed Assam for a developed India. This time, the BJP-NDA government is set to complete a hat-trick. And the Congress is also set to face a hat-trick of defeats… The self-proclaimed prince of Congress is set to score a century of defeats.”The Prime Minister also referred to the BJP’s recently released manifesto, describing it as a blueprint for the state’s future.Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “…The Assam BJP released a splendid manifesto yesterday. It was Tuesday yesterday, and this manifesto released on Tuesday is set to bring more ‘Mangal’ (auspiciousness) to Assam… This is the ‘Mangal Patra’ that arrived on Tuesday.”Highlighting key promises, PM Modi spoke about governance reforms and social initiatives, including the proposed implementation of a Uniform Civil Code in the state.PM Modi said, “To ensure that no deceit is done to our daughters, many major announcements have also been made to ensure the dignity, respect, and safety of our daughters’ lives. Implementing Uniform Civil Code in Assam and protecting the traditions of our tribal society, Sixth Schedule areas, or saving Assam’s identity are very big announcements. The BJP does what it says.”Drawing a contrast with past governments, the PM accused Congress of presiding over a period marked by instability and violence, while crediting the NDA for ushering in peace and development.Prime Minister Modi said, “In the past decade, Assam has traversed a long journey of development. These 20-25-year-old youngsters have only witnessed the good governance of BJP-NDA. They have not seen the dark era of Congress rule, when news from Assam was only about bombs, guns, riots, and curfews. The double-engine government has shown Assam a new path to lasting peace. Thousands of Assam’s sons and daughters have, in the past decade, put down the gun and connected to a new future.”He also outlined plans to position Assam as a hub for modern technology, including semiconductor manufacturing.PM Modi said, “There was a time when Assam was discussed in the world for its tea. Now, Assam will be recognised by the world not only for tea but also for chip. That day is not far when chip production will begin from Assam’s semiconductor plant. This will develop Assam as a major hub for modern technology. In the coming times, be it phones, cars, TVs, or fridges, all these products will run on chips from Assam. This is our roadmap for a developed Assam.”On infrastructure, PM Modi accused previous Congress governments of neglect, particularly in building connectivity over the Brahmaputra river.Prime Minister Modi said, “Assam has been gifted so much by nature; Assam has never lacked resources. But for the sake of power, Congress divided the society of Assam and never allowed the two banks of the Brahmaputra to connect. In 60-65 years, Congress built only 3 bridges over the Brahmaputra. Due to the lack of bridges, we lost so many people. The double-engine government understood this problem and completed 5 major bridges over the Brahmaputra in just 10-11 years.”The Prime Minister also took aim at Congress over the issue of illegal infiltration, asserting that the NDA government would continue strict action.Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “Congress wants to settle foreigners in Assam and make the native sons and daughters of this land a minority…The BJP-NDA government will not allow the land of our farmers, tribals, and our forests to be under the occupation of infiltrators. Against illegal occupation, the BJP-NDA government’s action will continue. Assamese pride and identity will continue. This is Modi’s guarantee.”The rally marked a high-voltage campaign event in Assam, which is set to vote in a single phase on April 9, with results to be declared on May 4. Go to Source
