New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday launched a sharp attack on the Indian National Congress during a rally in Assam, accusing the opposition party of spreading panic in the country amid the ongoing Middle East conflict, even as he unveiled major infrastructure projects in both Assam and West Bengal.
Addressing an election rally in Silchar in poll-bound Assam, Modi alleged that the Congress was attempting to create fear among citizens during a sensitive international situation while the government was working to minimise the impact of the conflict on Indians.
“Our government is making every possible effort to ensure that the citizens of our country face the fewest hardships possible. Our objective is to minimise the impact of this war on the nation’s citizens,” the Prime Minister said.
He criticised the Congress for what he described as irresponsible political behaviour at a time of national concern. “Instead of acting as a responsible political entity, the Congress is trying to create panic so that the country faces difficulties and they can then blame the government,” he said.
Modi further alleged that the opposition party had become a “puppet in the hands of forces hostile to India’s development”, claiming that those uncomfortable with India’s rapid progress were influencing the party’s narrative.
Taking a swipe at the party’s electoral performance, the Prime Minister said the Congress had been defeated repeatedly in elections across the country and predicted that it could soon reach a “century of defeats”.
During his Assam visit, Modi also inaugurated and laid the foundation for development projects worth ₹23,550 crore. These included a ₹22,864-crore, 166-kilometre access-controlled expressway between Silchar and Shillong, expected to significantly reduce travel time between Guwahati and Silchar.
He also announced the foundation for a ₹565-crore elevated corridor on National Highway-306 in Silchar and a ₹122-crore College of Agriculture at Patharkandi in Karimganj district. According to officials, these projects are part of development initiatives worth ₹47,800 crore announced in the state since Friday.
Later in the day, Modi addressed a programme in Kolkata where he launched and laid the foundation for infrastructure projects worth more than ₹18,000 crore aimed at boosting connectivity and economic activity across eastern India.
The projects include road, railway and port infrastructure aimed at strengthening logistics networks and supporting trade and industry in the region.
Among the key projects is the Kharagpur–Moregram Expressway, which is expected to accelerate economic activity across several parts of West Bengal. The Prime Minister also inaugurated six redeveloped railway stations under the Amrit Station scheme, including Kamakhya Guri, Anara, Tamluk, Haldia, Barabhum and Siuri.
In addition, automatic block signalling systems in the Kalaikunda–Kanihmohuli railway section were dedicated to the nation to enhance safety and increase capacity on busy rail routes.
Modi also flagged off a new express train service between Purulia and Anand Vihar Terminal, which will improve connectivity for passengers travelling between West Bengal and several northern states including Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi.
“These projects will give new speed to West Bengal and eastern India. They will boost trade and industry, make life easier for millions of people and open new opportunities,” he said.
Highlighting the importance of maritime infrastructure, the Prime Minister said projects related to port modernisation at Kolkata and Haldia would strengthen eastern India’s logistics network. Upgrades at the Haldia Dock Complex and improvements in cargo handling capacity at Kidderpore Dock were also announced.
“For decades, the potential of waterways in eastern India remained neglected. Today, waterways are opening new avenues for trade and industrial progress,” Modi said. Referring to ongoing upgrades at Kolkata and Haldia ports, he said the projects would strengthen the region’s logistics network and support future economic expansion.
Modi said improved road, rail and port connectivity would benefit farmers, traders, entrepreneurs and students while also creating new opportunities in sectors such as tourism and local industry.
Emphasising the broader development vision for the region, he said modern infrastructure would play a key role in building a “Viksit Bengal” and strengthening eastern India’s contribution to the country’s growth.
