Union Home Minister Amit Shah criticized the Congress party during his campaign for Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) leader Keshab Mahanta in Nagaon. Shah highlighted the positive changes brought about by the NDA’s governance in Assam, contrasting it with what he termed as the failures of previous Congress administrations. He urged voters to support the NDA in the upcoming Assembly polls for a third consecutive victory.
Shah emphasized the strong alliance between the BJP and AGP, dismissing claims of discord within the coalition as baseless. Accusing the Congress of neglecting Assam’s development needs during its rule, Shah questioned the effectiveness of the financial allocations made by the previous government compared to the support provided by the current Central government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The Home Minister alleged that the Congress had facilitated illegal migration in Assam, affirming the NDA’s commitment to supporting the state’s Muslim population while opposing illegal immigrants. Shah praised the BJP-led alliance for safeguarding the rights and culture of indigenous communities while promoting overall progress and inclusivity in the region.
Highlighting the achievements of the NDA governments in Assam, Shah credited former Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and current CM Himanta Biswa Sarma for steering the state towards what he described as its “golden years.” He pointed out improvements in law and order, claiming the eradication of past insurgency issues and emphasizing conservation efforts in Kaziranga National Park.
Shah also criticized the Congress for allegedly failing to recognize Assam’s icons during its tenure, contrasting this with the BJP-led government’s acknowledgment of local luminaries. In a symbolic gesture of unity, Shah urged voters to view the AGP’s elephant symbol and the BJP’s lotus symbol as representing a cohesive alliance. The NDA’s campaign strategy, as reflected in Shah’s statements, underscores a strong focus on development, nationalism, and identity issues while directly challenging the Congress party.
