Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday launched a sharp attack on the Congress during a public programme in Assam, accusing the party of neglecting the state’s culture, marginalising the tea garden community and mismanaging key sectors such as fertiliser production during its years in power.
Referring to his own background, the Prime Minister said, “Main chai wala hoon,” as he criticised the Congress for failing to recognise and protect the rights of tea garden workers, a community that plays a central role in Assam’s economy and identity. Modi said successive Congress governments had ignored the aspirations of tea workers, while his government had taken steps to provide land rights, welfare benefits and social security to tea garden families.
The Prime Minister also accused the Congress of being indifferent to Assam’s cultural heritage. Citing the example of legendary singer and cultural icon Dr Bhupen Hazarika, Modi said the Congress had opposed honouring him with the Bharat Ratna, calling it an insult to the sentiments of the people of Assam. “Those who did not respect Assam’s culture are now lecturing on regional pride,” he said.
On the agriculture front, Modi targeted the Congress over fertiliser policy, alleging that several fertiliser plants were shut down during its rule, leading to shortages and hardships for farmers. He said the present government was reviving closed units and strengthening domestic fertiliser production to ensure uninterrupted supply to farmers at affordable prices.
The Prime Minister further accused the Congress of indulging in vote-bank politics, particularly on issues related to illegal immigration, claiming that such policies had harmed Assam’s demographic balance and security concerns. He asserted that the BJP-led governments at the Centre and in the state were committed to protecting Assam’s interests while ensuring development and stability.
Modi’s remarks came during his visit to Assam to inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for several development projects. His speech is being seen as politically significant, with the Prime Minister seeking to consolidate support by contrasting the BJP’s development agenda with what he described as decades of neglect under Congress rule.
Senior BJP leaders present at the event echoed the Prime Minister’s criticism, while the Congress is yet to respond formally to the remarks.
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