Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday made his first trip to Assam after Operation Sindoor, the recent cross-border military action, dedicating its success to Maa Kamakhya and invoking the blessings of Lord Krishna.
“Yesterday was my first visit to Assam after Operation Sindoor. Operation Sindoor was a huge success with the blessings of Maa Kamakhya. Today, I am having a different holy experience by coming to this land of Maa Kamakhya,” he told a packed public meeting in Darrang, which coincided with Janmashtami festivities.
Invoking Krishna, pitching the Sudarshan Chakra doctrine
The Prime Minister used the Janmashtami backdrop to connect national security with mythology. Referring to his Independence Day speech, where he had unveiled the Sudarshan Chakra Mission, Modi reiterated that India aims to build an Iron Dome–style indigenous defence shield by 2035.
“It is also an icing on the cake that Janmashtami is being celebrated in this region today. From the Red Fort, I had said, I remembered Chakradhari Mohan. I remembered Shri Krishna, and I have put forth the idea of a Sudarshan Chakra in the future security policy before the people,” he said.
The Sudarshan Chakra Mission, Modi explained earlier, would be a decade-long programme to modernise India’s national security shield. “The nation will be launching the Sudarshan Chakra Mission. The entire modern system should be researched, developed, and manufactured in India, harnessing the talent of our youth. This powerful system will not only counter terrorist attacks but also strike back at the terrorists,” he said.
Infrastructure and connectivity promises
Modi also used the Assam stage to launch big-ticket development projects:
Darrang Medical College and Hospital, a GNM School, and a B.Sc. Nursing College.
Guwahati Ring Road Project, aimed at decongesting the capital city.
Kuruwa-Narengi Bridge over the Brahmaputra to strengthen connectivity and socio-economic growth.
“Connectivity plays a crucial role in the development of any region, and our government is committed to enhancing connectivity in the Northeast. This includes developing physical infrastructure such as roads, railways, and airways, as well as digital connectivity through 5G, the internet, and broadband services,” Modi said.
The Swadeshi push
The Prime Minister doubled down on his Made-in-India appeal, urging people to pledge that their purchases carry Indian sweat and soil.
“I ask you to promise me that whatever you buy now will be 'Swadeshi'. The definition of Swadeshi is simple for me; the company may have come from any part of the world, but the sweat should be of my country's young soldiers... Whatever will be made in India, it should have the smell of my Indian soil,” he declared.
A jab at history and political opponents
Modi also took a swipe at the Congress, recalling the 1962 Chinese aggression and accusing former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru of leaving unhealed wounds.
“Mujhe kitne hi gaaliya de, main bhagwan Shiv ka bhakt hoon, saara zehar nikal leta hoon... but when someone else is insulted, I cannot tolerate that. You people tell me, is my decision of honouring Bhupen Da with Bharat Ratna right or wrong? Is the insult done by the Congress party for honouring him with Bharat Ratna right or wrong?” he asked, drawing loud responses from the crowd.
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