PM Modi in Dibrugarh: Congress Neglects Assam and Its Identity

​Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently visited Dibrugarh, Assam, where he delivered a powerful speech during a massive public rally. His visit was marked by the inauguration of a large fertiliser plant in Namrup, but the focus quickly shifted to a sharp critique of the political opposition. During his address on December 21, 2025, the Prime Minister accused the Congress party of neglecting the interests of the people of Assam and failing to protect their unique identity. He suggested that for decades, the development of the Northeast was not a priority for previous governments, leaving the region to deal with long-standing issues on its own.

​A Focus on Identity and Pride

​One of the central themes of the speech was the protection of Assamese identity. Prime Minister Modi claimed that the Congress party has shown little concern for the pride and existence of the indigenous people of the state. He referred to historical events, specifically mentioning Gopinath Bordoloi, who is a revered figure in Assam. Modi highlighted how Bordoloi had to stand against his own party at the time of Independence to ensure that Assam remained a part of India rather than being grouped with East Bengal.

​By bringing up this history, the Prime Minister argued that the lack of concern for Assam's borders and identity is not a new issue for the opposition. He stated that the current government is working to correct the mistakes of the past 60 to 70 years. According to Modi, protecting the land and the heritage of the state is a responsibility that his administration takes very seriously, unlike those who he claims only care about building their own political power.

​Criticism of Illegal Immigration

​The Prime Minister did not hold back when discussing the issue of illegal immigration, which has been a sensitive topic in Assam for many years. He accused the Congress of engaging in activities that allow illegal immigrants to settle on the land and in the forests of the state. Modi argued that this was done to secure a specific "vote bank" rather than to ensure the security and demographic balance of the region.

​He claimed that the opposition is currently fighting against the revision of voter lists because they fear losing political influence. In his view, the presence of illegal settlers has compromised the security and the cultural identity of the Assamese people. He praised the current state government for its efforts to clear illegal encroachments and vowed that the central government would remain firm in identifying and removing those who have entered the country illegally.

​Development as a Form of Justice

​While the speech was politically charged, it also focused heavily on the physical transformation of the state. Prime Minister Modi described the modern infrastructure being built in Assam—including new airports, highways, and industrial plants—as a form of "justice" for the people. He noted that for a long time, the Northeast was viewed as a distant region that few people in power cared to visit or invest in.

​The inauguration of the ₹10,601-crore fertiliser plant in Namrup was presented as a major step toward making India self-reliant in urea production. Modi criticized the previous government for allowing the old facility to fall into disrepair, which he said caused great hardship for local farmers. He emphasized that under his "double-engine" government, the synergy between industry and connectivity is finally helping the youth of Assam to dream of a better future.

​Looking Back at the Ahom Legacy

​To inspire the crowd, the Prime Minister drew parallels between the current development phase and the glory of the Ahom dynasty. He stated that his goal is to make Assam as powerful and prosperous as it was centuries ago. By invoking the memory of the Ahom kings, who famously defended the region against foreign invasions, he sought to connect modern industrial growth with the historical strength of the land.

​He told the people that the progress they see today is just the beginning. The vision presented was one of a "Viksit Assam" (Developed Assam) that serves as a gateway to new opportunities for the entire country. He urged the people to remain vigilant and protect their progress from being derailed by political forces that he claims have historically worked against the state’s interests.

​Evidence of Change in the Region

​The Prime Minister highlighted that the change is visible not just in words but in the landscape of the state. On the first day of his visit, he inaugurated a nature-themed airport terminal in Guwahati, which is designed to handle over 1.3 crore passengers annually. This facility, inspired by the biodiversity of Assam, stands as a symbol of the new "Ashtalakshmi" identity he has given to the eight states of the Northeast.

​He also paid tribute to the 860 martyrs of the Assam Movement at the Swahid Smarak Kshetra. By visiting this memorial, he reinforced his message that the sacrifices made by the youth of Assam to protect their land from illegal foreigners would not be forgotten. He contrasted this with the Congress era, which he described as a period of "lathi charges" on farmers and long wait times for basic agricultural needs like urea.

​Conclusion and Future Vision

​The rally in Dibrugarh served as a platform for the Prime Minister to contrast his vision for the state with that of his political rivals. By combining emotional appeals about identity with data on infrastructure spending, he aimed to convince the audience that only his leadership can safeguard the future of the Northeast. The speech ended with a call for unity and a promise that the development of Assam would continue to be a top priority for the central government.

​As the political landscape in India continues to evolve, the themes of identity, immigration, and development remain at the forefront of the conversation in Assam. The Prime Minister's visit has set the stage for a continued debate over who is best equipped to protect the pride and the land of the Assamese people while driving the region toward economic growth.