Gogamukh: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday kickstarted the BJP-led NDA’s campaign for the Assam Assembly elections, announcing that a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) would be introduced in the state to safeguard the rights of Adivasis and protect the cultural heritage of Sixth Schedule areas.
Addressing a massive election rally at Gogamukh in Dhemaji district, Modi said the proposed UCC would aim to preserve the traditions and land rights of indigenous communities while preventing encroachment on Adivasi, farmers’, and forest lands by what he termed “foreign infiltrators.”
The rally marked the beginning of the BJP’s campaign in Upper Assam, with party candidates and allies from Lakhimpur, Dhemaji, and Majuli districts in attendance.
Opening his speech in Assamese, the Prime Minister invoked the blessings of Ghuguha Doul and Donyi-Polo, and referred to Assam’s cultural links, including the connection between Malinithaan and Dwarka.
He asserted that the state had witnessed significant development and improved governance over the past decade under BJP rule.
Confident of electoral success, Modi predicted a “hat-trick” victory for the BJP in Assam, which he said would also mark a third consecutive defeat for the Congress.
Referring to the party’s recently released election manifesto, Modi said the BJP’s “double-engine government” would ensure welfare and development for all sections of society. He announced that the number of pucca houses for the poor in Assam would increase by an additional 15 lakh units over the existing 22 lakh.
He also pledged to expand the Lakhpati Baideo scheme, aiming to raise the number of women entrepreneurs from 3 lakh to 40 lakh.
Targeting the Congress, the Prime Minister accused the party of failing to deliver development during its decades-long rule in the state. In contrast, he said, the BJP government had constructed six bridges over the Brahmaputra, established 11 medical colleges and several engineering institutions, and invested Rs 18,000 crore in flood mitigation projects.
He added that farmers had benefited from financial assistance under the PM-Kisan scheme.
In a sharp political attack, Modi alleged that the Congress had historically pursued “vote bank politics” by supporting “foreign infiltrators” and attempting to introduce legislation such as the Communal Violence Prevention Bill before 2014. He warned that similar policies could be revived if the Congress returned to power.
Referring to Assam’s economic potential, Modi said the state would not only remain synonymous with tea but also gain global recognition for semiconductor production, referring to the upcoming chip manufacturing unit.
Reiterating the BJP’s governance philosophy of “Nagarik Devo Bhava” (citizens as divine), the Prime Minister said his government would ensure protection of land belonging to Adivasis, farmers, and forest areas.
He also noted improvements in the condition of tribal communities, including the introduction of the Mising language in schools.
The rally was attended by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, Assam Education Minister Ranoj Pegu, and Lakhimpur MP Pradan Baruah, along with several candidates from Lakhimpur, Dhemaji, and Majuli districts, including Manab Deka, Naba Kumar Doley, Bhuban Pegu, Rajib Lochan Pegu, and Basanta Das.