PM attacks Congress, links Assam’s progress to peace and cultural pride
Guwahati, Jan 17: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said Assam was moving ahead at a very fast pace, asserting that the state’s transformation was not just an achievement of Assam but of the entire nation.
Addressing the Bagurumba Dwhou cultural event, where he witnessed the traditional Bagurumba dance of the Bodo community, Modi said Assam today stands for peace, development and pride, with its youth playing a central role in this journey.
Delighted to experience the Bagurumba Dwhou programme in Guwahati. It beautifully reflects the vibrancy of the Bodo culture.
https://t.co/elJCFygk2d— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 17, 2026
Highlighting his frequent visits to the state, Modi said no other Prime Minister had visited Assam as often as he had. “The culture and heritage of Assam have a unique essence, and I never miss an opportunity to experience it,” he said, adding that Bagurumba was a way to honour and give due respect to Bodo history, culture and heritage.
The Prime Minister said the culture of Assam is the pride of the entire nation, and that the history of Assam contributes significantly to the history of India. He noted that Bodo has been recognised as an associate official language of Assam, calling it an important step towards cultural inclusion.
Referring to the 2020 Bodo Peace Accord, Modi said it had ended years of conflict in the region and ushered in a new phase of trust and development. “With Assam’s growing confidence, strength and progress, India’s growth story is accelerating,” he said, adding that thousands of youths had given up violence and joined the mainstream after the accord, opening new pathways in education, employment and entrepreneurship.
Modi said the impact of peace was visible in Bodoland, which had once been associated with insurgency but was now known for its culture and progress. He said talented Bodo youth are emerging as cultural ambassadors of Assam, taking the state’s heritage to national and global platforms.
Turning to politics, Modi accused the Congress of opposing Assam’s cultural recognition and development. “When we respect the art, culture, history and heritage of Assam, some people get offended—and Congress is offended,” he said.
He alleged that it was the Congress that had opposed the decision to confer the Bharat Ratna on Bhupen Hazarika, and claimed that the son of the Congress national president had opposed the establishment of a semiconductor unit in Assam. Modi also said he had been mocked by Congress leaders for wearing attire linked to Assamese culture.
The Prime Minister further alleged that Bodoland had remained cut off for decades due to Congress policies, accusing the party of pursuing division rather than trust. Assam needs trust. Congress pursued division,” he said, accusing the party of prioritising vote-bank politics over indigenous interests.
Modi said the BJP government had worked to reduce distances of the heart, bridge infrastructure gaps and accelerate development. He highlighted educational and infrastructure initiatives in Bodoland, including new nursing colleges and polytechnic institutes.
Meanwhile, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said it was an honour for the state to host the Prime Minister at the Bagurumba Dwhou programme. He said Modi was felicitated in keeping with Bodo traditions with a portrait of Bodofa Upendranath Brahma, an Aronai, and a Serja, a traditional musical instrument.
Sarma said the Prime Minister also took a round of the venue and interacted with performers, encouraging over 10,000 participants who took part in the Bagurumba Dwhou programme.
Reiterating his cultural vision, Modi said it was his wish that Assam’s culture and heritage be seen by the entire world. He cited milestones such as Bihu receiving national recognition, Charaideo Maidams being included in UNESCO’s World Heritage list, Assamese being accorded classical language status, and Bodo being recognised as an associate official language.
“Bagurumba Dwhou is not just an event or a celebration. It is a powerful medium to honour the Bodo community, pay tribute to its great personalities, and recognise the cultural pride and identity of the Bodo people,” Modi said.
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