Modi’s ₹18,500-Crore Gift to Assam; Himanta Sarma Says – Assam Will Be the Pillar of Self-Reliant India

In a post on social media platform X, Sarma wrote: Grateful to Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji. Assam will now make a significant contribution towards Atmanirbhar Bharat. Today, two major and innovative projects have been launched in Golaghat district, which will prove to be milestones for farmers, youth, and industry.

₹18,530 crore, including the Darrang Medical College and Nursing College, the Guwahati Ring Road Project, and the Narengi–Kuruwa bridge.Sarma said, *“Under Modi ji’s leadership, Assam is witnessing historic progress in healthcare, education, connectivity, and industrial development. Today’s Assam is among the fastest-growing state economies in the country.Security Concerns and Demography Mission

PM Modi expressed concern over infiltrators trying to alter Assam’s demography, calling it the “biggest threat to national security”. He announced the launch of a “Demography Mission” to counter this challenge. Sarma too has long maintained a tough stance against illegal infiltration, making it a top priority for the Assam government.

### Cultural Recognition and Bhupen Hazarika

Highlighting Assam’s cultural legacy, Modi recalled Bharat Ratna Bhupen Hazarika, saying: *“Bhupen Da gave voice to India’s unity, and conferring Bharat Ratna on him reflects our government’s commitment to the North East.Sarma responded by noting that the Modi government has given Assam’s cultural heritage national recognition.

### Political Message Ahead of 2026 Assembly Polls

Modi’s visit is seen not merely as the launch of development projects but as a major political strategy before the 2026 assembly elections. Sarma assured that the “double-engine government” will turn these projects into reality and make Assam a key pillar of Atmanirbhar Bharat.On Sunday, September 14, Modi sounded the bugle for the 2026 assembly elections from Darrang district. In his two-day tour, he attacked the Congress for “speaking Pakistan’s language and insulting Assam’s heritage,” while at the same time offering voters confidence in development with projects worth over₹6,300 crore in health and infrastructure. Sharp Attack on Congress

At a rally in Darrang, Modi directly targeted the Congress, saying: *“Congress has always placed vote-bank politics above India’s security and Assam’s honour. They adopted Pakistan’s false propaganda as their agenda. When our army was eliminating terrorists across the border, Congress stood with Pakistan’s military.He accused the Congress of shielding infiltrators and forces altering Assam’s demography, calling it a grave national security threat.

### Development Announcements (₹6,300 crore package)

Darrang Medical College, Nursing College & GNM School – investment of about ₹570 crore. Narengi–Kuruwa Bridge (2.9 km) – to be built at a cost of ₹1,200 crore. Guwahati Ring Road Project (118.5 km) – worth ₹4,530 crore, connecting Kamrup and Darrang districts with Meghalaya. Golaghat district projects – ₹5,000 crore bamboo-based ethanol plant & ₹7,230 crore Petro Fluidized Catalytic Cracker Unit.PM Modi said: “The double-engine government has put Assam on the fast track of development. Today, with a growth rate of 13%, Assam is among the fastest-growing states in India.

Analysts’ TakePolitical analysts believe that Modi’s visit signals early preparations for the 2026 assembly elections, blending a development roadmap with cultural outreach and strong criticism of the opposition.