PM Modi speaks during a public event, in Barpeta, Assam
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday launched a sharp attack on the Congress during election rallies in Assam, accusing the opposition party of aligning with Pakistan’s narrative, indulging in corruption, and failing to deliver on development promises.Addressing a rally in Barpeta district, PM Modi said that while his government carried out “Operation Sindoor” on terror camps in Pakistan, the Congress continued to “sing to the tune of” the neighbouring country.He further alleged that during the 2016 surgical strikes and the 2025 “Operation Sindoor”, the Congress had echoed Pakistan’s stance.“This Pakistan connection always weighs heavily on the country (‘hamesha desh par bhari parta hain’), and we can never allow that,” he said.The prime minister also accused the Congress of adopting a short-term approach to governance.“The party always took short-term measures so that they could indulge in corruption. But the BJP looks far ahead while taking decisions for all-around development of all sections of society,” PM Modi said.He further criticised the opposition for not implementing the One Rank, One Pension (OROP) scheme for decades. “We have so far disbursed Rs 1.24 lakh-crore to the bank accounts of former Army personnel,” he said.PM Modi also took aim at the Congress leadership, alleging corruption and dynastic politics. “The first family of Congress is the most corrupt in the country, indulging in scams of huge proportions and is currently out on bail,” he said.In a swipe at Rahul Gandhi’s “mohabbat ki dukaan” remark, PM said the Congress represents “mithya ki dukaan” (shop of lies) and “apmaan” (insult).He also questioned the Congress’ governance record in states where it is in power, while adding that, “Peace and stability in the state have led to development under the BJP rule, and for it to continue, it is necessary to keep the Congress out (of power).”The prime minister further noted that the minimum support price for paddy has increased from Rs 1,300 per quintal in 2013 to Rs 2,370 at present, and highlighted direct benefit transfers to farmers.He also mentioned that Assam’s ‘Joha’ rice is now being exported to European countries.Meanwhile, at another rally in Hojai, the Prime Minister focused on the impact of global developments and fuel prices, cautioning voters against the Congress.“Despite such a big global crisis, petrol and diesel prices have not been allowed to rise in the country. But the Congress government in Himachal increased the prices of petrol and diesel. This means that before elections this royal family talks about relief to the people, but after elections they put the people into difficulty. That is why every family in Assam must remain very careful of them,” said the Prime Minister.Referring to the situation in West Asia, he said the government is working to shield citizens from its impact.“Due to the Middle East crisis, there are problems across the world. But even during this global crisis, the BJP government is working in the interest of the citizens. Our priority has been that the burden of the global crisis should not fall on the poor, the middle class and the farmers, and this remains our priority even today,” he said.PM Modi also raised the issue of infiltration, linking it to identity and security. “The problem of infiltration is linked with livelihood, identity and security. BJP-NDA is trying to protect Assam from population imbalance. Every vote given to BJP will help keep infiltrators away and protect Assam’s identity,” he said.Polling for all 126 assembly constituencies in Assam will be held in a single phase on April 9, with counting scheduled for May 4.
