 and heritage (virasat), aiming to benefit even the most economically disadvantaged.){kind=link}
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his visit to Guwahati on Sunday, underscored his government’s commitment to development (vikas) and heritage (virasat), aiming to benefit even the most economically disadvantaged. In a packed rally at the Khanapara ground, Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation for development projects exceeding Rs 11,600 crore in Assam.
In his 32-minute speech, Modi emphasized that these projects would not only enhance Assam’s road connectivity with other northeastern states and Southeast Asia but also boost tourism, sports, and healthcare, leading to significant employment opportunities.
Among the projects, Modi laid the foundation for the Maa Kamakhya Divya Lok Pariyojana, emphasizing that its completion would improve accessibility and comfort for devotees, consequently increasing footfall at the pilgrimage site. He envisioned Assam becoming the tourism gateway for the Northeast, with a surge in devotees visiting Maa Kamakhya.
While highlighting the twin pillars of development and heritage, Modi criticized previous governments for neglecting the importance of Bharat’s pilgrimage sites and temples. He asserted that his government, in the past ten years, rectified this oversight with policies focusing on both vikas and virasat.
Although Modi’s speech did not explicitly mention the upcoming Lok Sabha polls in April-May, the rally effectively marked the beginning of the BJP’s campaign in the state with 14 Lok Sabha seats. His emphasis on development and heritage is perceived as a response to the opposition, particularly the Congress, which accuses the Modi-led government of favoring the wealthy.
Modi stressed the significance of connecting historical and spiritual places in the state with modern facilities, aiming to preserve these sites and accelerate overall development. He highlighted the positive impact on livelihoods, stating that even the poorest, including rickshaw pullers, taxi drivers, hotel owners, and street vendors, benefit from increased footfall due to pilgrims and devotees.
Crediting the “double engine” government at both the Centre and the state for the record tourist footfall in the Northeast over the past ten years, Modi outlined substantial increases in development expenditure and infrastructure. He assured the youth of Assam and the Northeast that their dream of witnessing East Asia-like development is his commitment, guaranteeing comprehensive support for basic facilities to the poor, women, youth, and farmers.