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KALIABOR, ASSAM | JANUARY 18, 2026: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today declared the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as the “people’s first choice,” a statement made amidst his robust campaign in poll-bound Assam and following the party’s significant victory in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections. Modi’s remarks, delivered during a massive public rally in Kaliabor, Nagaon district, highlighted both the BJP’s growing national influence and a sharp critique of the opposition Congress party, accusing them of historical misgovernance in the northeastern state. The Prime Minister’s visit underscored the BJP’s strategic focus on Assam, where it seeks to consolidate its political gains by emphasizing development initiatives and framing the upcoming elections as a choice between progress and past alleged failures.
Modi’s Assertions on Congress’s Past in Assam
During his address in Kaliabor, Prime Minister Modi launched a direct attack on the Congress, alleging that the party, during its tenure, had deliberately allowed the encroachment of land by “infiltrators” to secure votes. This accusation is a recurring theme in the BJP’s campaign narrative in Assam, a state with a complex demographic history and ongoing debates about immigration. Modi asserted that the Congress’s policies had compromised the integrity of Assam’s land and its indigenous population, a claim designed to resonate with local sentiments and anxieties. He contrasted this alleged past with the BJP’s commitment to protecting the state’s resources and cultural identity. The Prime Minister’s rhetoric aimed to draw a clear distinction between his party’s governance model and that of the Congress, positioning the BJP as the protector of Assamese interests against what he described as opportunistic politics.
The allegations by Prime Minister Modi are part of a broader strategy to discredit the Congress ahead of crucial elections, painting the opposition as a party that prioritizes electoral gains over national and regional security. By linking past policies to present-day challenges, Modi sought to reinforce the narrative that the BJP is the only political entity capable of safeguarding Assam’s future. His speech also touched upon the economic implications of such policies, suggesting that the alleged mismanagement under Congress rule had hindered Assam’s development potential. This emphasis on historical grievances serves to mobilize the BJP’s support base while attempting to sway undecided voters by highlighting perceived failures of previous administrations.
Development Pledges and National Momentum
Beyond the criticism of the opposition, Prime Minister Modi also used his visit to Assam to highlight the BJP’s development agenda for the state. A key part of his itinerary included performing the Bhoomi Pujan (foundation stone laying) for the Kaziranga Elevated Corridor Project, worth over ₹6,950 crore. This infrastructure initiative, aimed at facilitating smoother traffic flow and protecting wildlife in the ecologically sensitive Kaziranga National Park, serves as a tangible example of the BJP’s commitment to infrastructure development and environmental conservation. Modi described Kaziranga as the “soul of Assam,” emphasizing that such projects are integral to unlocking the state’s potential and integrating it more robustly into the national economy.
The Prime Minister’s enthusiastic commendation of the BJP’s success in the BMC elections was not merely a celebration of a local victory but a strategic move to project a national wave of support for the party. He framed the BMC win as a reflection of the public’s trust in the BJP’s governance model and its development-oriented policies, suggesting that similar sentiments are prevalent across the country, including in Assam. By linking the Mumbai outcome to the ongoing political landscape in Assam, Modi aimed to create a perception of irresistible momentum for the BJP, encouraging voters to align with what he presented as the winning side.
Modi further elaborated on the BJP’s vision for Assam, promising accelerated development in various sectors. During the event, he also flagged off two new Amrit Bharat Express trains—connecting Guwahati (Kamakhya) to Rohtak and Dibrugarh to Lucknow—further bridging the “distance of hearts and places” that he noted had long pained the Northeast. The laying of foundation stones and flagging off of trains during a campaign visit is a calculated move designed to demonstrate concrete actions, thereby reinforcing the party’s image as a proactive and results-oriented government.
Major Highlights from the Prime Minister’s Address:
- Prime Minister Modi declared BJP as the “people’s first choice” following the BMC election victory and Bihar mandates.
- He accused the Congress of facilitating land encroachment by infiltrators for votes in Assam during its rule.
- Modi performed the Bhoomi Pujan for the Kaziranga Elevated Corridor Project, prioritizing wildlife safety.
- The Prime Minister flagged off two new Amrit Bharat Express trains to improve regional connectivity.
- The visit underscored BJP’s strategic focus on poll-bound Assam and its “Vikas bhi, Virasat bhi” (Development with Heritage) agenda.
As Assam gears up for elections, Prime Minister Modi’s visit and his sharp criticism of the Congress, coupled with a strong emphasis on development and national successes, set the stage for a keenly contested political battle. The BJP is clearly leveraging its national electoral momentum and a narrative of progress to solidify its position in the northeastern state. The coming weeks are expected to see intensified campaigning from all political parties as they vie for the mandate of the Assamese electorate, whose decision will ultimately shape the state’s future trajectory.
