PM Focuses on Development and Infiltration in Assam

INAUGURATING and LAYING the foundation for a slew of projects worth ₹18,350 crore in Assam on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi focused on two issues — development and "infiltration" — in his address to the people of the state, which goes to the polls next year.

- SUKRITA BARUAH

The PM arrived in Assam on Saturday after visiting Manipur and had participated in the birth centenary celebrations of legendary singer, composer and filmmaker Bhupen Hazarika.

In Assam's Darrang on Sunday, after laying the foundation stones of various projects, including the Darrang Medical College and Hospital, the Guwahati Ring Road Project, and the Kuruwa-Narengi Bridge over the Brahmaputra, he echoed a statement he had made the previous day in strife-torn Manipur — the 21st century is Northeast India's time for growth and development. He also said that the BJP government is cracking down on "infiltrators" and accused the Congress of becoming "protectors of anti-nationals and infiltrators".

On development in the Northeast, Modi said, "After Independence, big cities, economies and factories were developed in Western and Southern India. During this time, a major part of Eastern India got left behind in the march to progress.