PM Modi sounds poll bugle in Assam, says Congress' old fashion to 'blame others'

Kicking off the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) campaign in Assam, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday highlighted his government's 'Act East Policy' and promised to bring stability and development in the state, something that the Congress failed to do in the last 15 years.

"I have come to help you realise your dreams and I want to assure you that you have made a place in my heart. I have a three-point programme for Assam and that is development, development and development. If development has to happen then the first thing this area needs is infrastructure. Our government has made an 'Act East Policy' and we will join this area with the mainstream of development in the country," he said while addressing a rally here.

Taking a dig at the Congress, Prime Minister Modi said that the grand old party had failed to bring any progress to the state for the past 15 years and was now expecting him to bring things in place in 15 months.

"People who ruled here for 15 years are asking for the account of work I have done in 15 months. Is this fair? It has become a fashion not to give account of their work but blame others. Rajiv Gandhi used to say the correct thing, Delhi sends Re 1 and it becomes 15 paisa till it reaches the village," he said.

Listing out some new schemes for the state, Prime Minister Modi stressed on the importance of progress.

"If development has to happen then the first requirement is infrastructure, be it roads, railways, waterways," said Prime Minister Modi.

"The Central Institute of Kokrajhar will get deemed university status in one year. I assure you that soon the airport will be developed for the use by the Indian Air Force and civilians and the Kanchanjuna Express train route will be extended," he added.

The Prime Minister is presently in Assam on a two-day visit to the northeast region.

The elections in Assam, presently ruled by the Congress, will take place later this year.