Development picked up in Assam as terrorism tamed, says Rajnath Singh

NUMALIGARH/BISWANATH CHARIALI/ GUWAHATI: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday said that developmental activities have stepped up in Assam as insurgency and terror have declined in the State over the years.

Addressing his maiden election rally in Biswanath district bordering Arunachal Pradesh, he said that with hundreds of extremists belonging to dozens of insurgent groups laying down their arms in the last five years of BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) rule, peace and ethnic harmony has returned to Assam after several decades.

Noting that the BJP-led government had sealed a major portion of the India-Bangladesh border and installed electronic surveillance and devices along the riverine stretches in Dhubri, he said that if the BJP retains power, it would seal the remaining parts of the border to prevent entry of illegal Bangladeshis into India.

The BJP government in Tripura also took steps to stop illegal influx from the neighbouring country, he noted.

"The BJP has a government in Tripura. With your blessings and support, we are confident that we are going to form governments in Assam and West Bengal," said Rajnath Singh.

Listing the projects and schemes implemented by the Central and Assam governments, he said: "For the first time in the history of India, under the 'Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi' (PM-KISAN), each farmer in India is getting Rs 6,000 directly into his bank account."

The veteran BJP leader also said that former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi had said that out of Re 1 given by the Centre, only 16 paisa reaches the people but now during the BJP governance, the entire Re one is going to benefit the common men.

"The situation in Assam has changed a lot and it is on the path of progress and prosperity. We are proud to say that there is not a simple or single allegation of corruption against Sarbananda Sonowal government."

Referring to Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardeva, the Defence Minister said that the government was committed to protecting the honour and culture of Assam, and said that honouring Bhupen Hazarika with Bharat Ratna is a symbol of their respect for the State.

Srimanta Sankardeva was a 15th-16th century Assamese saint, scholar, poet, playwright, social-religious reformer and a figure of importance in Assam's cultural and religious history. (IANS)

OUR NUMALIGARH & BISWANATH CHARIALI CORRESPONDENTS ADD: Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh on Sunday addressed a rally in 97 Dergaon LAC (Legislative Assembly constituency) in Golaghat district.

The political rally was held to urge the voters of the constituency to vote for Bhaben Bharali of the AGP (Asom Gana Parishad) – an ally of the BJP. During the seat-sharing arrangement, this Assembly seat was given to the AGP by the BJP.

Singh added, "I want to congratulate the State government for building toilets in the houses, across the State. I have been told that all the districts of Assam are now ODF (Open Defecation Free)."

Among those present during the rally were AGP president Atul Bora, senior leaders of both the BJP and the AGP.

He also addressed political rallies at Biswanath Chariali, and Gohpur also. The rally at the playground of Sadharu tea garden in Biswanath Chariali was organized in support of BJP candidate for the Biswanath seat, Pramod Borthakur and also in support of BJP candidate Utpal Bora from Gohpur at the playground of Daflagad tea garden.

Referring to the importance of the Northeast region, he said that Assam is not just a 'gateway' but a 'highway'. Criticizing the Congress, Singh said that till 2016, the Congress did not do anything for the development of Assam.

The Union Minister also pointed out that under the leadership of Sarbananda Sonowal, the BJP-led alliance has brought in development across many sectors in the last five years. Medical and engineering colleges have been set up, he said, adding that roads are being constructed under the 'Assam Mala' scheme.

For making women self-reliant, monetary assistance has been granted, he said, adding that the Sarbananda Sonowal government has also declared a war against corruption. As a result, the pace of development has increased in the State.

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