Amit Shah Launches ₹1,715-Crore Development Push in Assam, Mounts Twin Attack on Congress Over Culture & Immigration

GUWAHATI: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah today visited Assam, laying the foundation stone for the new Assam Legislative Assembly building in Dibrugarh and inaugurating multiple development projects worth a total of ₹1,715 crore.

Assam Chief Minister Shri Himanta Biswa Sarma, Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Minister of State Shri Pabitra Margherita, and several dignitaries were present at the event.

Shah’s visit, his second to the state since December 29, comes as the ruling BJP intensifies preparations for the 2026 Assembly elections, aiming to retain power for a third consecutive term. Chief Minister Sarma welcomed Shah at Dibrugarh airport late Thursday night, posting on social media, “Honoured to welcome Adarniya @AmitShah ji at Dibrugarh airport.”

Beginning his day in Dibrugarh, Shah inaugurated the ₹284-crore MLA complex and hostel, a key component of the state government’s plan to establish Dibrugarh as Assam’s second administrative capital. Spread over 250 acres, the complex is designed to bring governance closer to residents of Upper Assam. He also inaugurated the first phase of a modern multi-disciplinary sports complex at a cost of ₹238 crore, featuring an indoor stadium, swimming pool, football and tennis courts, basketball and volleyball courts, and hostels for players. The foundation stone for the second phase, estimated at ₹209 crore, was also laid during the visit.

Emphasizing Assam’s environmental and ecological priorities, Shah laid the foundation for the ₹292-crore Wildlife Health and Research Centre in Dibrugarh, which will serve as a hub for disease surveillance, research, and genetic studies for animals and birds. He also launched a ₹692-crore project for the restoration and rejuvenation of 15 large wetlands across the state, aimed at protecting over 7.5 lakh people from floods, irrigating approximately 77,000 hectares of farmland, boosting agriculture and dairy production, and promoting tourism and water sports.

Shah highlighted the economic benefits of India’s free trade agreement with the European Union, noting that Assam’s tea industry will gain significantly as tea can now reach European markets from Paris to Berlin with zero tariffs. He further pointed out that land reforms under the BJP government have granted ownership rights to more than three lakh tea garden workers from 825 estates, contrasting this with what he described as decades of neglect by previous governments.

During a massive public rally at Khanikar Parade Ground, Shah also targeted the Congress party, accusing its leadership of promoting illegal immigration in border states like Assam to strengthen its vote bank. He criticized Rahul Gandhi over the recent 'gamusa' controversy, questioning his alleged disrespect for Northeast culture, and contrasted it with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s consistent efforts to honour the region’s traditions on international platforms, including the United Nations.

Shah lauded the government’s achievements in peace and security, stating that more than 10,000 youths across the Northeast have laid down arms under government agreements, while 1.26 lakh acres of land have been reclaimed from infiltrators to prevent demographic changes. He stressed that Assam’s borders are now secure, and only the current government can ensure long-term stability and safety for the state.

In addition to Dibrugarh, Shah visited Dhemaji, attending a youth cultural programme of the Mishing tribe, before proceeding to Guwahati to meet BJP office-bearers and party workers to review organizational preparedness, election strategy, and the prevailing political scenario. With Assam’s 126 Assembly constituencies expected to go to polls in March–April 2026, Shah’s visit underscores the high political stakes involved and the central leadership’s commitment to the state.

Shah also highlighted Assam’s cultural heritage, noting that the Bharat Ratna has been awarded to Bhupen Hazarika and Gopinath Bordoloi, and that the biography of Lachit Borphukan has been translated into 23 languages. He concluded by emphasizing the government’s vision of inclusive development, promising that all communities, tribes, and castes will benefit from ongoing projects, while Assam’s culture and heritage continue to flourish.

Also Read: What All Is Lined Up for Amit Shah in Assam Today?