Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday intensified his attack on the Congress while campaigning in Assam, alleging that the party neglected the state during its years in power and encouraged illegal migration.
Addressing a rally in Nagaon district in support of Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) leader and state minister Keshab Mahanta, Shah asserted that the NDA’s decade-long governance has transformed Assam and urged voters to deliver a ‘hattrick victory’ for the alliance in the April 9 Assembly elections.
Shah emphasised the strength of the BJP-AGP alliance, dismissing opposition claims of any internal differences as baseless. He also contrasted financial support under previous Congress governments with what he described as significantly higher assistance from the Narendra Modi-led Centre.
“What did Rahul Gandhi do when they were ruling? Only Rs 1.28 lakh crore?” he asked.
Shah maintained that the NDA government stands ‘with the Muslims of Assam, not with illegal migrants’, while claiming that the alliance has safeguarded the rights and identity of indigenous communities alongside promoting inclusive development.
Highlighting the NDA’s record, Shah credited former Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and incumbent Himanta Biswa Sarma for ushering in what he termed Assam’s ‘golden years’. He cited improvements in law and order, stating that the state is now free from ‘red terror’.
Shah also pointed to conservation efforts in Kaziranga National Park, noting progress in protecting the one-horned rhinoceros.
Targeting the Congress further, Shah said the party failed to honour key figures from Assam, including Gopinath Bordoloi and Bhupen Hazarika, with the Bharat Ratna during its tenure, adding that these recognitions came under the BJP-led government.
In a call for alliance unity, Shah urged voters to treat the symbols of AGP and BJP as one, reinforcing the NDA’s joint campaign message ahead of the polls.
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