Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday highlighted the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) focus on Assam’s prosperity, self-reliance, and global recognition, asserting that the party had brought peace and stability to the state over the past decade. Speaking at a public meeting in Barpeta ahead of the April 9 assembly polls, Modi said the BJP had taken Assam out of difficulties and insecurity while safeguarding its cultural and social identity.

“The 10 years of BJP rule in Assam were to bring peace and harmony, take the state out of difficulties and insecurity, and safeguard the state’s identity. The coming years will bring more prosperity, self-reliance, and make the state recognised across the world,” Modi said, emphasizing the party’s developmental agenda for the region.

Modi also urged political parties to support a proposed amendment bill aimed at fast-tracking 33% women’s reservation in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies. He dismissed rumours surrounding the legislation, stating that all states would benefit. “I request women in Assam to urge all political parties and leaders to pass this bill unanimously,” he said.

Turning to economic policies, Modi criticised the Congress party, alleging that it diverted dues meant for farmers to middlemen. He highlighted the BJP government’s direct transfer of funds through the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi, noting that farmers in Assam had received over ₹7,500 crore. Modi added that the government provided urea to farmers at highly subsidised rates, contrasting with global prices that reached ₹3,000 per sack.

Modi further pointed to increases in the minimum support price (MSP) of rice, saying it rose from ₹1,300 per quintal under Congress to ₹2,370 under the BJP. He also claimed that MSP payouts to farmers across India increased from ₹4 lakh crore during Congress rule (2004–2014) to ₹16 lakh crore between 2014 and 2024.

Highlighting tribal welfare, Modi accused Congress of neglecting tribal regions, which he described as previously plagued by poverty and violence. “Areas where tribals reside used to be the poorest in the country and ravaged by bombs and violence. Our government has focussed on prosperity and permanent peace in tribal areas,” he said, stressing the BJP’s emphasis on security, development, and social inclusion in Assam.