Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held an election rally in Tezpur on March 31, campaigning in support of AGP candidate and sitting MLA Prithviraj Rabha ahead of the Assam Legislative Assembly elections.
Calling the upcoming polls crucial for the state's future, Singh expressed full confidence that the BJP-led NDA alliance would be voted back to power.
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Acknowledging that it was his first election campaign visit to Tezpur, Singh said the warmth and hospitality shown by the people of Assam had left a deep impression on him. He expressed his gratitude for the affection and respect extended by the people of the town.
Singh trained his sights on the Congress party, alleging that it had long neglected Assam and governed with what he described as a "stepmotherly attitude" toward the state.
He claimed that under Congress rule, Assam suffered years of instability marked by protests, insurgency, poverty, and widespread unrest.
Turning to the BJP's record, Singh credited the "double-engine" government under Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma for driving development and giving Assam a stronger national identity.
He highlighted a shift in the state's story — from one associated with deprivation and extremism to one now focused on growth. He also noted that border villages, once seen as neglected and remote, are now being developed as the country's "first villages."
Singh pointed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's repeated visits to the Northeast as evidence of the Centre's sustained attention and commitment to the region's progress.
On development, Singh outlined major strides in roads, railways, aviation, and bridge construction across the state.
He reiterated the BJP's target of expanding Assam's economy to 150 billion dollars by 2030 and highlighted upcoming projects — including the Namrup fertiliser plant — as key drivers of employment and agricultural support.
Advances in healthcare, education, and industrial investment were also cited as part of the party's broader vision for the state.
On the security front, Singh said Assam is steadily moving toward lasting peace after decades marked by insurgency and violence.
He noted that a significant number of former militants have rejoined the mainstream, and that the law and order situation across the state has improved considerably.