Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone, inaugurated development works worth around Rs 6,500 crore in Darrang, Assam today. Addressing the gathering on the occasion, the Prime Minister extended heartfelt greetings and congratulations to the people of Darrang and to all the citizens of Assam on this historic day of Assam’s development journey.

The Prime Minister stated that following the success of Operation Sindoor, he visited Assam for the first time yesterday. He attributed the operation’s resounding success to the blessings of Maa Kamakhya and expressed a profound sense of spiritual fulfillment upon setting foot on her sacred land. He also extended greetings to the people on the occasion of Janmasthami being celebrated at Assam. Reiterating his words from ramparts of Red Fort, Shri Modi said that he had presented the idea of ‘Sudarshana-Chakra’ in India’s security strategy. Shri Modi highlighted Mangaldoi as a place where the confluence of culture, historical pride, and hope for the future come together. He noted that this region stands as a central symbol of Assam’s identity. On this land filled with inspiration and valor, the Prime Minister said he felt blessed to have the opportunity to meet and interact with the people.

Recalling that just a few days ago, the nation celebrated the birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna and legendary voice Bhupen Hazarika, Shri Modi shared that he had the opportunity to participate in a grand event held in his honour yesterday. He stated that the dreams envisioned by such great sons of Assam and by our ancestors are now being pursued with full sincerity by their governments at Union and State. 

The Prime Minister emphasized that the preservation and promotion of Assam’s cultural heritage, along with its rapid development, have remained key priorities of their governments at Union and State. He remarked that through the joint efforts of the government and the people of Assam, the state is now making a remarkable impact both nationally and globally.

“India is currently the fastest-growing country in the world, and Assam has emerged as one of the fastest-growing states in the nation”, exclaimed the Prime Minister. He recalled that there was a time when Assam lagged behind in development and struggled to keep pace with the rest of the country. However, today, Assam is advancing with a growth rate of nearly 13 percent. Shri Modi described this as a major achievement and credited the success to the hard work of the people of Assam and the joint efforts of the Union & State governments. He expressed happiness that the people of Assam continue to strengthen this partnership. He noted that this is why Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and his team consistently receive overwhelming public support in every election. The Prime Minister further highlighted that even in the recent panchayat elections, Assam delivered a historic victory and extended its blessings.

Emphasising that their government is working with the vision of making Assam a growth engine of India’s development, the Prime Minister remarked that today’s programme is a part of this very commitment. “Just a short while ago, development projects worth approximately ₹6,500 crore were inaugurated from this very stage,” he said. Shri Modi highlighted that their Union & State governments are developing Assam as one of the most connected states and as a leading healthcare hub. “These projects will further strengthen our resolve,” he added. Shri Modi extended his heartiest congratulations to all of them for the Darrang Medical College and Hospital, the highway, and the ring road.

“Entire nation is moving forward in unity to build a developed India; for the youth, a developed India is not just a dream but also a resolve and the significant role of the North East in fulfilling this national resolve”, highlighted the PM. He pointed out that after Independence, major cities, large economies, and industrial hubs developed primarily in western and southern India, while a vast region and population in eastern India remained behind in the race for development. Shri Modi affirmed that their government is now working to change this situation. “With twenty-five years of the 21st century already passed, the next phase of this century belongs to the East and the North East”, declared Shri Modi,  asserting that the time has come for Assam and the North East to lead India's growth story.

“Rapid connectivity is essential for the swift development of any region, that is why our government has placed strong focus on enhancing connectivity in the North East”, exclaimed Shri Modi. He highlighted improvements in physical connectivity through road, rail, and air infrastructure, as well as digital connectivity via 5G internet and broadband. These advancements, he noted, have brought greater convenience to the people, made life easier, and facilitated business operations. The Prime Minister added that improved connectivity has made travel more accessible, expanded tourism, and created new employment and livelihood opportunities for the youth of the region.

Underlining that Assam has greatly benefited from the nationwide connectivity campaign, Shri Modi cited a specific example, pointing out that despite six decades of opposition rule in Delhi and decades of governance in Assam, only three bridges were constructed over the Brahmaputra River in 60–65 years. He contrasted this with their government’s performance, noting that within just one decade, six major bridges have been built. He announced the foundation stone laying of the Kurua–Narengi bridge, which will significantly reduce the travel time between Guwahati and Darrang to just a few minutes. The Prime Minister highlighted that this bridge will save both time and money for the common people, make transportation more affordable, reduce travel time, and ease traffic congestion.

Stating that the new ring road will bring significant benefits to the people, the Prime Minister noted that once completed, vehicles heading towards Upper Assam will no longer need to enter the city, easing urban traffic congestion. He highlighted that the ring road will connect five national highways, two state highways, one airport, three railway stations, and one inland water terminal. This will mark the creation of Assam’s first seamless multi-modal connectivity network. Shri Modi affirmed that this is the kind of development being delivered by their governments at Union & State.

Emphasising that the government is preparing the nation not just for today’s needs but for the requirements of the next 25 to 50 years, the Prime Minister recalled his announcement from the Red Fort regarding next-generation reforms in GST and shared the good news that these reforms are now being implemented. He announced that starting nine days from today, on the occasion of Navratri, GST rates will be significantly reduced. Shri Modi highlighted that this move will benefit every household in Assam, making many everyday items more affordable. He informed that the tax on cement has been reduced, which will lower the cost for those building homes. Expensive medicines for serious illnesses like cancer will become cheaper, and insurance premiums will also reduce. He added that those planning to buy new motorcycles or cars will find them more affordable. The Prime Minister noted that motor companies have already begun advertising these benefits. He emphasized that mothers and sisters, youth, farmers, and shopkeepers—all sections of society—will gain from this decision. He added that this reform will add to the festive cheer of the people.

Urging citizens to keep one important message in mind during the festive season, the Prime Minister emphasized the need to choose indigenous products, stating that people should buy Made in India items, gift Made in India products, and ensure that shopkeepers also promote and sell Made in India goods. He called upon everyone to be vocal for local, asserting that every effort in this direction will strengthen the nation.

Highlighting that in recent years, significant progress has been made in the healthcare sector, the Prime Minister noted that earlier, hospitals were concentrated in major cities, and seeking treatment there was often expensive. To address this, the government expanded the network of AIIMS and medical colleges to every corner of the country. In Assam specifically, dedicated cancer hospitals have been established. Shri Modi stated that over the past 11 years, the number of medical colleges in India has doubled—matching the total built in the 60–65 years since Independence. He pointed out that in Assam, there were only six medical colleges before 2014, and with the completion of the Darrang Medical College, the state will now have 24. The PM emphasized that the establishment of medical colleges not only improves healthcare infrastructure but also provides more opportunities for youth to become doctors. Due to the earlier shortage of medical seats, many aspiring doctors were unable to pursue their careers. Over the last 11 years, the number of medical seats in the country has more than doubled. The Prime Minister also announced a new target: in the next four to five years, the government aims to add one lakh new medical seats.

Describing Assam as a land of patriots, emphasizing its significant role in defending the nation from foreign invaders and in the sacrifices made during the freedom struggle, the Prime Minister recalled the historic peasant satyagraha of Patharughat, noting its proximity to the present gathering and its enduring legacy. Standing on this sacred land of martyrs, Shri Modi stated that it is necessary to expose another act of opposition. He alleged that the opposition, for its political interests, aligns itself with individuals and ideologies that are anti-India. Referring to Operation Sindoor, he claimed that even during this mission, such tendencies were evident. He remarked that when opposition dispensation was in power, the country suffered from widespread terrorism while the opposition party remained silent. In contrast, he stated that today, under the current government, the Indian Army conducts operations like Sindoor, eliminating terror masterminds across Pakistan. He criticised the opposition for siding with Pakistan’s army instead of India’s, and of promoting the agenda of those who shelter terrorists. He asserted that Pakistan’s falsehoods become the opposition's narrative, and urged the public to remain vigilant against the opposition parties.

Prime Minister stated that for opposition, the interests of its vote bank have always taken precedence over national interest. He alleged that the opposition has now become a major protector of anti-national elements and infiltrators. He claimed that during its tenure in power, the opposition actively encouraged infiltration and now seeks to permanently settle infiltrators in India. Shri Modi recalled that Mangaldoi once witnessed a major movement to protect Assam’s identity and resist illegal infiltration. However, he asserted that the previous opposition-led government punished the people for this resistance and retaliated by allowing illegal encroachments on land. He accused the opposition of enabling encroachments on places of faith and on lands belonging to farmers and tribal communities.

The Prime Minister stated that after the formation of their alliance government, these conditions are being reversed. He highlighted that under the leadership of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, lakhs of bighas of land have been freed from infiltrators in Assam, including significant recoveries in Darrang district. Shri Modi mentioned that the Gorukhuti area, once under the control of infiltrators during the opposition’s rule, has now been reclaimed. The reclaimed land is now home to the Gorukhuti Agricultural Project, where local youth are working as ‘Krishi Sainiks’ and cultivating crops such as mustard, maize, urad, sesame, and pumpkin. The Prime Minister further added that the land once occupied by infiltrators has now become a new hub of agricultural development in Assam.

Affirming that their government will not allow infiltrators to seize control over the nation’s resources and assets, the Prime Minister stated that the rights of India’s farmers, youth, and tribal communities will not be compromised under any circumstances. He expressed concern over the atrocities committed by infiltrators against mothers, sisters, and daughters, declaring that such acts will not be tolerated. Shri Modi warned of ongoing conspiracies to alter the demographic composition of border regions through infiltration, describing it as a grave threat to national security. In response, he announced the launch of a nationwide Demography Mission. He reiterated their commitment to protecting the country from infiltrators and ensuring their complete removal from Indian soil.

Emphasising the collective responsibility to preserve Assam’s rich heritage and accelerate its development, the Prime Minister stated that to achieve this, coordinated efforts are essential. He concluded by reiterating the vision of transforming Assam and the North East into a driving force of a developed India. 

Chief Minister of Assam, Shri Himanta Biswa Sarma, Union Minister, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal were present among other dignitaries at the event.

Background

In Darrang, Prime Minister laid the foundation stone of multiple projects. The projects include Darrang Medical College & Hospital and GNM School and B.Sc. Nursing College, strengthening medical education and healthcare delivery in the region; Guwahati Ring Road Project that will enhance urban mobility, decongest traffic, and improve connectivity in and around the capital city; and Kuruwa–Narengi Bridge over River Brahmaputra improving connectivity and promoting socio-economic development in the region.

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MJPS/SR