New Delhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday asserted that infiltration in Assam is not merely an electoral issue but a serious concern tied to the state’s identity and the country’s national security. Addressing BJP booth-level workers virtually ahead of the April 9 Assembly elections, he accused the Congress of allowing illegal encroachments by infiltrators in the past.

Speaking during the party’s outreach initiative, ‘Mera Booth, Sabse Mazboot Samvaad’, Modi said illegal infiltration had led to land grabbing and affected the livelihoods of local communities. He urged party workers to raise awareness about such issues and highlight the challenges faced by residents due to encroachments.

The Prime Minister also called on BJP workers to remind first-time voters about what he described as the “misrule” of previous Congress governments, cautioning that even small electoral mistakes could push Assam back into instability.

Highlighting the progress made in the past decade, Modi said Assam has moved away from a long phase of unrest and violence, attributing the change to the BJP’s “double-engine” governance at both the Centre and the state. He noted that 12 peace agreements had been signed with various groups in the Northeast, claiming these were being implemented effectively on the ground.

In contrast, he alleged that earlier governments had signed agreements only for publicity without ensuring real outcomes. According to him, this had left many young people disillusioned and vulnerable to unrest.

Referring to the Bodo region, Modi said it had once been plagued by violence, curfews, and instability but has now witnessed peace and development. He described this transformation as a model for the rest of the country, crediting sustained efforts by the current government.

The Prime Minister emphasised that peace is essential for development and urged party workers to communicate this message widely, especially among young and first-time voters.

He also warned against the circulation of AI-generated misinformation during the election period and advised workers to stay vigilant and educate the public about such content.

Encouraging grassroots engagement, Modi suggested organising small meetings in tea garden areas, including informal discussions such as “Chai Pe Charcha,” to better understand people’s concerns and share the government’s initiatives. He said these interactions would help workers connect directly with communities and learn about past hardships.

The Prime Minister further highlighted welfare schemes such as Assam’s ‘Orunodoi’ programme and the ‘Lakhpati Didi’ initiative, urging party members to share success stories widely, especially on digital platforms.

He stressed that land rights granted to tea garden workers would provide long-term security and dignity to thousands of families. At the same time, he accused the West Bengal government of obstructing the implementation of central schemes for tea workers in that state.

Modi concluded by saying that while the NDA government has made significant progress, people’s expectations remain high, and party workers must continue their efforts to meet those aspirations.

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The 126-member Assam Assembly will go to polls on April 9, with the BJP-led NDA aiming to retain power for a third consecutive term.