Dimapur/ Shillong, Feb 24: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday addressed two rallies in poll bound north-eastern states Meghalaya and Nagaland.

PM Modi visited the two poll bound states to campaign for the BJP candidates who are contesting the February 27 polls in both the states.

Addressing his first poll rally in Nagaland’s Agri Expo Center Ground in Dimapur, PM Modi said that a large number of cadres of various militant outfits surrendered and joined the mainstream to ensure peace in Nagaland.

“The AFSPA (Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act) has already been withdrawn from many parts of Nagaland. The government has been taking steps so that AFSPA is not required in future in the state,” Modi stated.

During the Congress regime, there was political instability in Nagaland and the party remote-controlled northeast from Delhi, and siphoned off money meant for its development, the PM said.

The National Highway network in Nagaland has been doubled now and the state is being linked with Myanmar, he said, adding that road, rail and air connectivity is being developed in Nagaland and the region as well.

While addressing his second poll rally in Meghalaya capital Shillong, PM Modi said that with the initiative of the NDA government, the fortune of the northeast has been changing rapidly.

“We are proud of Meghalaya’s culture and tradition. Meghalaya is the champion in culture,” Modi said this after participating in a road show.

“I am indebted to your love and support to the BJP. I will try to further develop Meghalaya. I have seen BJP everywhere in Meghalaya, both hills and plains, rural areas to urban areas, BJP are everywhere. Youths, women, businessmen, or government employees, everyone wants the BJP voted to power in Meghalaya, Meghalaya means BJP Sarkar.”

Both the states will go for polls on February 27 and the counting of votes will be done on March 2.