In a decisive critique of the Congress party’s historical approach towards the development of the northeast and its border areas, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Saturday, illuminated the transformative strides made under his administration. Speaking at the ‘Viksit Bharat Viksit North East’ programme in Arunachal Pradesh, PM Modi showcased the significant advancements in the region, contrasting the rapid progress with the slower pace he attributed to previous Congress-led governments.
PM Modi underscored the substantial investment in the region, with projects exceeding Rs 55,000 crore unveiled in Itanagar alone. “What we have achieved in the last five years would have taken Congress 20 years to accomplish in the northeast,” he asserted, marking a stark difference in governance and developmental focus.
The Prime Minister took particular aim at the Congress-led UPA regime’s attitude towards the northeastern villages, which were often referred to as the last villages. Contrarily, Modi’s government has prioritized these areas, initiating the Vibrant Village Programme to reinvigorate and recognize their strategic and cultural importance. “For me, this is the first village,” Modi declared, emphasizing a shift in perspective that places the northeast at the forefront of the nation’s developmental agenda.
Highlighting the tangible outcomes of his government’s commitments, PM Modi referred to the initiatives as ‘pakki guarantees’—a testament to the reliable promises made and fulfilled under his leadership. The inauguration of the strategic Sela Tunnel and the operational success of Donyi Polo Airport were presented as exemplars of these guarantees, symbolizing the central government’s dedication to enhancing connectivity and infrastructure in the region.
The Sela Tunnel, an engineering feat constructed at a cost of around Rs 825 crore, stands as a beacon of efficient transport and strategic foresight. This project not only facilitates smoother travel within the region but also underscores the northeastern states’ growing importance in India’s trade, tourism, and geopolitical relationships with South and East Asia.
As PM Modi eloquently positioned, the northeast is no longer an overlooked periphery but a pivotal corridor destined to strengthen India’s engagements across the continent. Through initiatives aligned with the ‘Ashta Lakshmi’ vision, the government aims to harness the northeast’s potential as a vibrant hub for trade and tourism, promising a future where the region plays a central role in India’s ascent on the global stage.
Leave a Reply