PM Modi Assam Visit Highlights: They opened doors of Assam for infiltrators, PM's attack on Congress

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday accused the Congress of disrespecting Assam’s culture and heritage, alleging that the party promoted vote bank politics by allowing infiltrators into the state. Speaking at a Bodo folk dance event, he said previous Congress governments failed to resolve Assam’s challenges through dialogue and instead pushed the region towards prolonged violence, keeping Bodoland isolated from the mainstream. Modi claimed that illegal settlers encroached on land across Assam under Congress rule, while the current BJP government led by Himanta Biswa Sarma is correcting those wrongs. Emphasising his deep connection with Assam, Modi said the 2020 Bodo peace accord restored lasting peace, replacing gunfire with music and cultural celebration.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the Bagurumba Dwhou 2026, a traditional Bodo cultural programme, in Guwahati, Assam, celebrating the region’s rich heritage. During the event, the Prime Minister also tried playing the Serja, a traditional musical instrument, drawing appreciation from the audience. He was felicitated by organisers in recognition of his presence at the grand cultural gathering.

The highlight of the programme was a spectacular, synchronised Bagurumba dance performance by over 10,000 artists from the Bodo community. Participants representing 81 Legislative Assembly constituencies across 23 districts of Assam took part, showcasing unity, tradition, and cultural pride on a massive scale.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the transformation of the Bodoland Territorial Region after the 2020 Bodo Peace Accord, noting that an area once scarred by violence is now witnessing cultural revival and stability. He recalled how daily bloodshed, gunfire, and curfew-like silence have given way to music, tradition, and vibrant celebrations, symbolised by instruments like the kham and sifung.

Modi said the accord restored trust and ended decades of conflict, enabling thousands of youths to abandon violence and join the mainstream. He stressed that BTR’s progress reflects not only Assam’s success, but a moment of national pride for the country.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the 2020 Bodo Peace Accord while addressing the Bagurumba Dwhou 2026, a traditional Bodo cultural programme in Guwahati, Assam. He said the accord transformed the region, with youths abandoning violence to join the mainstream, noting that music now echoes where bullets once resounded. Emphasising Assam’s rich heritage, Modi stated that no other Prime Minister has visited the state as frequently as he has. He highlighted ongoing efforts to promote Assam’s culture globally and described Bagurumba as a living celebration of Bodo identity, honouring traditions, social reformers, cultural renaissance, and political consciousness across generations and communities.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the 'Bagurumba Dwhou 2026', a landmark cultural programme showcasing the heritage and traditions of the Bodo community, held at the Bhogeswar Barua Sports Complex in Sarusajai, Guwahati. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma was also present at the event, which highlighted Bodo culture, dance, and collective identity.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while attending the Bodi festival in Guwahati on Saturday, highlighted his frequent visits to Assam, saying no other prime minister had engaged with the state as extensively as he has.

Addressing a gathering, Modi said he wanted Assam’s culture to gain global recognition and noted that several initiatives were underway to promote it internationally. He praised Bagurumba as a living celebration of the Bodo society, describing it as a medium to honour Bodo traditions and remember legends who strengthened social reforms, cultural renaissance and political consciousness.

The Trinamool Congress on Saturday hit back at Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s allegations that its government was misusing central funds in West Bengal, daring the Centre to release a white paper on fund allocation to the state since the BJP’s defeat in the 2021 assembly elections. Addressing a rally in Malda, Modi had accused the Mamata Banerjee government of being “cruel and heartless” and of looting public money while blocking central welfare benefits. Responding on X, the TMC questioned why the Centre had allegedly withheld Rs 24,275 crore under the Awas Yojana despite claims of concern for poor households.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi begins speech while addressing a huge gathering during the Bodo festival being held in Assam's Guwahati.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reached Assam's Guwahati where he held a 4-km-long roadshow, acknowledging the crowd waiting to get a glimpse of him.

West Bengal Governor CV Anand Bose on Saturday praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying his leadership had put the country "back on track". Bose said Modi had strengthened the economy, internal security, and national unity, and expressed confidence that he would also ensure the restoration of law and order in West Bengal.

The senior BJP leaders in West Bengal, Suvendu Adhikari and Samik Bhattacharya, launched scathing attacks on the ruling Trinamool Congress government over the alleged decline in law and order. 

Speaking to ANI, Adhikari, the Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal State Assembly, said, "Here, not only the media, but everyone is falling victim to attacks by goons due to a lack of security. This is a complete failure of the police administration and law and order. Mamata Banerjee herself has encouraged this kind of hooliganism and anarchy..."

Bhattacharya, the state BJP President, told ANI, "Law and order have completely collapsed here; there is total anarchy. This government has completely lost control over its administration, and the consequences of the way they have aided Bangladeshi infiltrators and supported the Rohingyas are now becoming evident."

Trinamool Congress spokesperson Kunal Ghosh on Saturday hit back at Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remarks on women’s safety in West Bengal, accusing the BJP of double standards.

He said the attack on journalists was condemned and "it should not have happened," but questioned the BJP’s credibility on women’s issues.

Ghosh said, "this is an atrocity against women," repeating the phrase to stress his point. He also cited the wrestlers’ protest in Delhi, saying, "Narendra Modi is talking about women's security," while BJP MP Brij Bhushan Singh was not removed despite allegations.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday urged voters to support the BJP, saying every vote cast for the party's "kamal (lotus)" symbol would help restore West Bengal’s former glory.

Addressing party workers, he said TMC's "hooliganism" would not last and accused the ruling party of intimidating and threatening the poor. Modi called on BJP workers to mobilise voters and said the movement must awaken the spirit of "Vande Mataram" across the state.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday accused the Trinamool Congress of failing to ensure women’s safety in the state, citing an alleged recent attack on a female journalist. Addressing a public gathering, Modi said, "Just yesterday, we saw how much abuse a female journalist suffered at the hands of TMC goons".

He alleged that under TMC rule, girls are unsafe even in educational institutions and urged voters to seek change through their vote.

Addressing a rally in West Bengal's Malda on Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the BJP’s expanding electoral footprint across India. He cited the party’s strong performance in Maharashtra’s urban local body polls, noting the landmark win in Mumbai’s BMC, and pointed to the election of the BJP’s first mayor in Thiruvananthapuram as evidence of growing acceptance.

Modi argued that these results reflect rising confidence in the BJP’s development-focused governance, particularly among young voters. He said misinformation has lost its impact and expressed optimism about West Bengal, declaring, "this time the people of Bengal will also ensure a resounding victory for the BJP there".

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that good governance under the BJP is visible across the country and claimed that it is now West Bengal’s turn. Addressing a rally in Malda, he said that after the BJP’s victory in the Bihar elections, he had stated that with the blessings of Maa Ganga, the “river of development” would also flow in Bengal, asserting that the BJP would make this a reality.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that for decades, eastern India was held back by divisive politics, but the BJP has freed these states from such practices. Addressing a public rally, he cited Odisha forming its first BJP government, continued BJP rule in Tripura, renewed trust in Assam, and the return of the BJP-NDA government in Bihar as evidence of growing public confidence in the party.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said his heart was filled with joy on seeing young children dressed in elaborate costumes recreating scenes from the Ramayana during the public programme. Addressing the gathering, he praised the children portraying characters such as Hanuman, Sita, Rama and Lakshmana, calling the presentation a wonderful spectacle and extending his best wishes to them.

Before beginning his address at a public rally, Prime Minister Narendra Modi appealed to people who had climbed onto makeshift stands to come down, citing safety concerns. He said he would be deeply saddened if anyone were to get hurt, adding that while people might not be able to see him, they could hear his voice. The Prime Minister said the people’s lives were more precious than any display of affection.

Prime Minister Modi claimed that the BJP has freed eastern states from the grip of divisive and hate-driven politics. He said the party’s focus remains on development, infrastructure creation and people’s welfare, asserting that these efforts are helping integrate eastern India more closely into the country’s growth story.

The Prime Minister alleged that eastern India had been held back for decades by what he described as politics of hatred. He said such politics stalled growth and deprived people of opportunities, adding that development-focused governance was necessary to unlock the region’s full potential.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India is working towards the goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047, stressing that the development of eastern India is essential to achieving this target. Addressing a rally in Malda, he said inclusive growth across regions is key to building a “Viksit Bharat”.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he pays respectful tribute to Shivendu Shekhar Ray, crediting him for efforts that helped preserve Malda’s identity. Speaking at a public rally, the Prime Minister acknowledged Ray’s contribution to the region, linking local legacy with the broader narrative of development and cultural pride.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi alleged that the Trinamool Congress stands exposed as a party of corruption, appeasement and violence. Addressing a large public rally in Malda, he said West Bengal needs a BJP government that prioritises development and people’s welfare. The Prime Minister accused the ruling party of failing to meet the aspirations of the people and called for political change in the state.

The Prime Minister said the newly launched Amrit Bharat Express trains will significantly strengthen connectivity between Bengal—especially North Bengal—and southern and western parts of the country. Improved rail links are expected to support mobility for students, workers and traders, while also boosting economic and social integration.

Prime Minister Modi announced that West Bengal has received four new Amrit Bharat Express trains. These include services between New Jalpaiguri and Nagercoil, New Jalpaiguri and Tiruchirappalli, Alipurduar and Bengaluru, and Alipurduar and Mumbai. He said the new services will strengthen affordable long-distance rail connectivity.

Congratulating West Bengal, Assam and the entire country, Prime Minister Modi said the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train represents a new standard in rail travel. He added that the Centre plans to expand the network nationwide, making advanced sleeper train services accessible to more regions across India.

Prime Minister Modi said the country’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train will connect the land of Maa Kali in Bengal with the land of Maa Kamakhya in Assam. He described the launch as a symbol of cultural and regional connectivity, adding that the modern sleeper train will be expanded to other parts of the country in the coming years.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Indian Railways has taken another big step towards modernisation with the launch of Vande Bharat Sleeper trains. He said the introduction of sleeper variants marks a new phase in India’s rail journey, aimed at making long-distance travel more modern, comfortable and passenger-friendly.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the campaign to accelerate West Bengal’s development had gained fresh momentum from Malda. Speaking after laying foundation stones and inaugurating multiple projects, he said new rail services launched for the state would make travel easier for people and also facilitate business activity. The Prime Minister added that improved connectivity would support economic growth and regional development.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was “delighted” to flag off India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train from Malda, calling it a major step towards improving long-distance rail travel. He added that several Amrit Bharat train services are also being introduced to strengthen connectivity across regions. The Prime Minister said the new services would make travel more convenient, affordable and efficient for passengers.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday laid the foundation stone and dedicated multiple rail and road infrastructure projects worth over Rs 3,250 crore during a public programme in West Bengal. The projects include new railway lines, electrification works, modern maintenance facilities and key highway upgrades, aimed at improving connectivity, logistics efficiency and passenger movement across North Bengal and strengthening links with the North-Eastern region.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with students and loco pilots as he arrived at Malda Town Railway Station to flag off India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train between Howrah and Guwahati (Kamakhya). The interaction took place moments before the formal flag-off, with officials present at the station. The gesture comes as part of the Prime Minister’s engagements marking the launch of the new long-distance, fully air-conditioned sleeper train service.

The Trinamool Congress also accused Prime Minister Modi of insulting Bengal’s cultural icons, including Rabindranath Tagore, Raja Ram Mohan Roy and Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay. Referring to remarks attributed to the Prime Minister, the party said Bengal’s historical figures should be treated with respect, even as it added that Modi was a “guest” in the state.

The TMC further asked why different SIR rules were allegedly being applied to West Bengal compared to BJP-ruled states. Claiming that Bengal was being “singled out for harassment”, the party said such actions showed a biased approach by the Centre towards the state and its people.

In its social media statement, the Trinamool Congress alleged that Bengali-speaking people were being targeted, assaulted and even lynched in BJP-ruled states merely for speaking Bengali. The party also questioned why Bengalis were being forced to prove their citizenship, calling it discriminatory and unacceptable in their “own country”.

Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to West Bengal, the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) on Friday posted a series of sharp questions on X, asking why the Centre has allegedly withheld Rs 1.96 lakh crore in “rightful funds” for Bengal despite a Supreme Court order. The party said the questions reflected concerns of the people of the state.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train between Howrah and Guwahati (Kamakhya) at Malda Town Railway Station. The fully air-conditioned train is designed for long-distance travel, offering airline-like comfort at affordable fares. Officials say it will reduce travel time on the route by around 2.5 hours and boost religious tourism, passenger convenience, and connectivity between West Bengal and the Northeast.

The Trinamool Congress on Friday took to social media to criticise Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to West Bengal, alleging that central forces were being used to intimidate and push aside marginalised people ahead of his programme. The party questioned whether this was how the Prime Minister “welcomes India’s poor”, claiming that crowd control was prioritised to ensure uninterrupted photo opportunities.

Capping the Singur programme, Prime Minister Modi will flag off three Amrit Bharat Express trains connecting Howrah to Anand Vihar Terminal, Sealdah to Banaras, and Santragachi to Tambaram. The services aim to strengthen affordable long-distance rail connectivity from Kolkata to northern and southern India.

The Prime Minister will inaugurate the Jayrambati–Barogopinathpur–Maynapur new rail line, part of the larger Tarkeshwar–Bishnupur project. Alongside, a new passenger train service between Maynapur and Jayrambati will be flagged off, offering affordable and convenient rail connectivity to residents, students and pilgrims in Bankura district.

Prime Minister Modi will also launch a state-of-the-art electric catamaran in Kolkata. Built by Cochin Shipyard Ltd, the 50-passenger hybrid electric vessel can operate in zero-emission mode and is expected to support eco-friendly urban river mobility, eco-tourism and last-mile passenger connectivity along the Hooghly River.

Officials say the Balagarh cargo terminal will divert heavy cargo movement away from congested city roads, improving road safety and reducing pollution in Kolkata. Enhanced multimodal connectivity is expected to provide cost-effective market access for MSMEs, farmers and regional industries, while generating significant direct and indirect employment in logistics and transport services.

At Singur, Prime Minister Modi will lay the foundation stone for the Extended Port Gate System at Balagarh, which includes an Inland Water Transport terminal and a Road Over Bridge. Spread across nearly 900 acres, the project aims to handle about 2.7 million tonnes of cargo annually and decongest Kolkata’s urban transport corridors.

On January 18, Prime Minister Modi will travel to Singur in Hooghly district, where he will inaugurate, lay foundation stones and flag off development projects worth over Rs 830 crore. The projects span rail, port infrastructure and inland water transport, reflecting a multi-modal approach to regional development.

As part of the Malda programme, the Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone for the rehabilitation and four-laning of the Dhupguri–Falakata section of National Highway-31D. The project is aimed at easing passenger and freight movement, reducing travel time and strengthening road connectivity across North Bengal.

Two new train services equipped with LHB coaches, Radhikapur, SMVT Bengaluru Express and Balurghat–SMVT Bengaluru Express, will also be flagged off. The services are expected to provide safer and more comfortable long-distance connectivity for youth, students and IT professionals from North Bengal travelling to major employment hubs like Bengaluru.

Prime Minister Modi will virtually flag off four new Amrit Bharat Express trains connecting New Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar with destinations such as Nagercoil, Tiruchirappalli, Bengaluru and Mumbai. These affordable long-distance services are expected to benefit students, migrant workers and traders while strengthening economic and social links between West Bengal and other states.

The Prime Minister will also dedicate the electrification of the New Coochbehar–Bamanhat and New Coochbehar–Boxirhat rail lines to the nation. Railways officials say electrification will allow faster, cleaner and more energy-efficient train operations, reduce dependence on fossil fuels and enhance the overall efficiency of passenger and freight movement in North Bengal.

During the Malda programme, Prime Minister Modi will lay the foundation stone for four key railway projects in West Bengal. These include a new rail line between Balurghat and Hili, next-generation freight maintenance facilities at New Jalpaiguri, upgradation of the Siliguri Loco Shed, and modernisation of Vande Bharat maintenance facilities in Jalpaiguri district.

The Howrah–Guwahati Vande Bharat Sleeper Train is expected to reduce travel time by nearly 2.5 hours, making long journeys faster, safer and more comfortable. Officials say the service will give a major boost to religious travel, tourism and business movement between eastern India and the Northeast, while improving passenger convenience on one of the busiest corridors.

In a landmark moment for Indian Railways, Prime Minister Modi will flag off India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train between Howrah and Guwahati (Kamakhya) from Malda Town Railway Station. The fully air-conditioned sleeper train is designed for long-distance travel, offering an airline-like experience at economical fares while significantly cutting travel time on the route.

On January 17, Prime Minister Modi will visit Malda, where he is scheduled to dedicate and lay the foundation stone for multiple rail and road infrastructure projects worth over Rs 3,250 crore. These initiatives are aimed at strengthening passenger and freight connectivity in North Bengal and improving links with the North-Eastern states, positioning the region as a key logistics and transit hub.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to begin his two-day visit to West Bengal on January 17–18, with a packed schedule centred on rail, road and port-led infrastructure development. The visit will span Malda and Hooghly districts, where projects worth over Rs 4,000 crore will be inaugurated, dedicated or launched, underscoring the Centre’s focus on connectivity and economic growth in eastern India.