‘BJP against infiltrators, not indigenous Muslims’: Shah at Kaliabor rally
Shah attacks Rahul Gandhi, questions Congress’ 15-year rule, alleges failure to deliver development and safeguard Assam’s heritage
Shah during a public rally in support of the AGP-BJP alliance candidate from Kaliabor, Keshab Mahanta, on Thursday. (Photo:PTI)
Guwahati, Apr 2: Union Home Minister Amit Shah, on Thursday, intensified the BJP-led alliance’s campaign in Assam, addressing an election rally in Kaliabor in support of Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) candidate and minister Keshab Mahanta ahead of the April 9 Assembly polls.
Shah’s visit marks his second trip to the state in four days, underlining the BJP’s aggressive campaign strategy in the run-up to voting.
Targeting the Congress, the Union Home Minister alleged that the party failed to deliver development during its 15-year tenure in Assam and neglected key sectors, including environmental conservation.
He claimed that encroachment during the Congress regime had adversely impacted Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its one-horned rhinoceros.
“Kaziranga’s one-horned rhinoceros attracts tourists from across the world. It was the NDA government that evicted encroachers and restored Kaziranga’s global tourism appeal,” Shah said.
Taking a swipe at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who is also campaigning in the state, Shah questioned the party’s development record and contrasted financial allocations under different regimes.
He said Assam received Rs 1.28 lakh crore during the Congress-led government, while under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the state has received Rs 9.88 lakh crore over the past decade.
On the issue of encroachment, Shah said action against “infiltrators” was often misrepresented by the Opposition as faith-based politics.
“The BJP is against infiltrators, not against indigenous Muslims in Assam,” he said.
Highlighting the law and order situation, Shah said the state, once associated with violence and insurgency, has witnessed a period of relative peace, with more than 10,000 youth joining the mainstream in recent years.
He also underscored the BJP’s alliance with the AGP, describing it as a strong and enduring partnership.
With polling scheduled for April 9 across all 126 Assembly constituencies and counting set for May 4, political campaigning in Assam has entered its final and most intense phase.
With inputs from PTI