PM Modi In Assam / PM Modi Inaugurates New Guwahati Airport Terminal, Accuses Congress of Neglecting North-East

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated the new terminal of Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International. Airport (LGBIA) in Guwahati, marking a significant step in the development of the North-Eastern region. During his two-day visit to Assam, PM Modi used the occasion to launch a. Scathing attack on the Congress party, accusing them of decades of neglect towards the North-East. He stated that his affection for the land of Assam and the love of its people, especially the mothers and sisters of Assam and the North-East, continuously inspire him and strengthen the region's development. This inauguration, he added, marks a new chapter in Assam's progress, symbolizing the state's growing confidence and the trust of its people.

Congress Accused of North-East Neglect

In his address, Prime Minister Modi unequivocally stated that the development of Assam and the North-East was never part of the Congress's agenda. He alleged that those in Congress governments used to question who would visit Assam and the North-East, and why they would need modern airports, better railways, or highways. This mindset, he claimed, led to the Congress neglecting the entire region for decades. PM Modi asserted that just as the mighty Brahmaputra flows ceaselessly, the stream of development under the BJP's double-engine government is flowing continuously in the region. He emphasized that his government is systematically rectifying the mistakes made by the Congress over decades.

Importance of Modern Infrastructure

PM Modi highlighted that modern, world-class airport facilities open up new possibilities and opportunities for any state. He noted that when people witness the construction of splendid roads in Assam, they feel that justice is finally being served to the state. The inauguration of the new terminal at Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi Airport stands as a testament to this resolve, while he extended his congratulations to all residents of Assam and the nation for this new terminal building, which truly embodies the mantra of 'development and heritage'.

This terminal, designed with Assam's nature and culture in mind, is filled with greenery and promises a sense of peace and comfort to every arriving passenger. The Prime Minister also mentioned a significant reform, where his government repealed. A law pre-2014 that classified bamboo as a tree, thereby restricting its cutting. He pointed out that globally, bamboo is considered a grass, and his government rectified this by reclassifying it, giving it its rightful identity. This move has significant implications for local economies and environmental practices.

India's Economic Trajectory and 'Act East Policy'

PM Modi underscored that India is on its way to becoming the world's third-largest economy, with modern infrastructure development being the biggest contributor to this transformation over the past 11 years. He stated that the country is preparing for the 'Viksit Bharat' (Developed India) mission by 2047, where every state and region has a crucial role to play. He spoke about prioritizing the North-East through the 'Act East Policy', which has led to Assam emerging as India's 'Eastern Gateway'. Assam, he added, is playing the role of a bridge connecting India to ASEAN countries, and this beginning will go a long way. Today, Assam and the entire North-East are becoming the gateway to India's development, with the resolve for multimodal connectivity transforming both the direction and destiny of the region.

Peace and Digital Connectivity in the North-East

Highlighting the positive changes in the North-Eastern region, the Prime Minister noted that areas once plagued by violence and bloodshed are now receiving 4G and 5G digital connectivity, while districts previously considered violence-affected are now developing as 'aspirational districts' and are set to become industrial corridors in the future. These transformations have instilled a new sense of confidence in the North-East.

Struggle to Save Assam's Identity

PM Modi also accused the Congress of attempting to erase the region's identity. He recounted that during the pre-independence era, when the Muslim League and the British were orchestrating India's partition, there was a plan to make Assam a part of East Pakistan, while he claimed that the Congress was leaning towards becoming a part of that conspiracy when Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi stood against his own party and saved Assam from being separated from the country.

Strict Measures Against Infiltration

Addressing the issue of illegal infiltration, Prime Minister Modi stated that the central government has taken strict measures to curb it, including identifying and expelling illegal infiltrators from the country. He accused the Congress of adopting an anti-national agenda, pointing out that despite the Supreme Court's directive to remove infiltrators, Congress lawyers argue in court for them to remain, while this demonstrates the Modi government's serious commitment to the security and sovereignty of the North-East.

LIVE: PM Shri @narendramodi inaugurates Lokapriya Gopinath Bardoloi International Airport in Guwahati, Assam. https://t.co/m2aqUe4JFb

— BJP (@BJP4India) December 20, 2025