Assam BJP president Dilip Saikia on Wednesday said a massive public rally addressed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi had drawn unprecedented support for the state’s development, and alleged that while the Congress focuses on protecting infiltrators and Bangladeshis, the BJP is committed to removing them from the state.
Speaking about the rally, Saikia said, "The Prime Minister addressed a massive public rally here... For the first time in independent India, Assam has received such extensive support for its development. The Prime Minister's rally has reassured the public, and people have expressed their trust in Prime Minister Modi and Himanta Biswa Sarma."
Comparing the election campaigns of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress, Saikia added, "You can see the difference yourself between the Congress and the BJP's election campaigns. We talk about indigenous issues, while they talk about protecting infiltrators and Bangladeshis. We work to remove infiltrators, while they promise that if their government comes to power, they will give them land rights again."
On the prospects of Congress leaders campaigning in the state, he added, "As far as the Congress is concerned, whether Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, or anyone else comes to campaign, they will get just as many votes as they are destined to get."
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a public rally in Biswanath district. He said that Assam has witnessed significant transformation over the past decade, asserting that improved connectivity and infrastructure have changed perceptions about the state.
The Prime Minister said that where people were once struck by backwardness, they are now pleasantly surprised by the state's development.
"Until 10 years ago, when anyone came to Assam, they would be stunned to see the state's backwardness. But today, seeing Assam's connectivity, people are filled with joy, experiencing a positive kind of astonishment. Just a short while ago, the world also saw those highways in Assam where fighter jets are landing," said PM Modi.
The Prime Minister said the Bharatiya Janata Party is working to address key challenges such as floods and land erosion in the state. He added that projects worth hundreds of crores are underway, and an additional Rs 18,000 crore has been proposed for further protection measures.
The rally comes ahead of Assam's upcoming assembly elections. The polling for all 126 Assembly constituencies will be held in a single phase on April 9, while the counting of votes is scheduled for May 4.
Assam will witness a fight between the incumbent BJP-led NDA government and Congress for the 126-seat assembly. The BJP is contesting the elections with Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and Bodoland People's Front (BPF).
The NDA will look to secure a third consecutive term, while the Congress aims to defeat the ruling party to return to power.
(With inputs from ANI)