Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (April 6, 2026) said that while his government was carrying out “Operation Sindoor” on terrorist camps in Pakistan, the Congress continued to “sing to the tune” of the neighboring country.
Addressing an election rally in Assam’s Barpeta district, he also accused the opposition party of taking a short-sighted view of development while asserting that the BJP was focused on long-term growth.
“The party has always taken short-term measures to indulge in corruption. But the BJP looks far ahead while taking decisions for the all-round development of all sections of the society,” Mr Modi said.
Mr Modi claimed that during the surgical strikes of 2016 or ‘Operation Sindoor’ in 2025, the Congress always sang to the tune of Pakistan and gave importance to their agenda.
“This association with Pakistan always burdens the country heavily (‘hamesha desh par bhari parta hain’) and we can never allow that,” he said.
Mr Modi also accused the old grand party of neglecting the military by refusing for decades to implement “One Rank, One Pension” for veterans. “However, the BJP government ensured that those who protect the nation were given this benefit of justice,” he said.
“So far, we have disbursed ₹1.24 crore to the bank accounts of ex-army personnel,” the prime minister said. Addressing another rally in Hojai, Mr. Modi accused the Gandhi family of indulging in dynastic politics and corruption.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses a public meeting in favor of BJP candidate Shiladitya Dev ahead of the 2026 Assam Legislative Assembly elections in Hojai. | Photo credit: ANI
“The first family of the Congress is the most corrupt in the country, indulging in scams of huge proportions and currently out on bail,” he said. “Congress can do only two things – lie and indulge in corruption,” he added.
Mr Modi apparently took a swipe at Rahul Gandhi’s ‘mohabbat ki dukaan’ remark and said the Congress stands for ‘mithya ki dukaan’ (trade in lies) and ‘apmaan’ (insult).
“There is another family in Assam… and both are making false promises before the elections,” he said in an apparent reference to Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi.
”Congress is in power in Himachal, Karnataka and Telangana… they made big promises before the elections but what have they done so far?”, he asked.
Mr. Modi urged the people not to be fooled by the false promises of the Congress in Assam and vote for the BJP for the third consecutive term so that the journey of development can continue.
“Peace and Stability”
Referring to the global situation due to conflicts in West Asia, he said the government is working to protect citizens, especially the poor, middle class and farmers, from its impact.
“From the beginning, BJP’s priority has been to focus on minimizing their suffering and that will continue,” he added.
He said that peace was brought in Assam after many sacrifices and due to BJP’s honest efforts in implementing the peace accords signed during the last 10 years.
“Peace and stability in the state has led to development under the BJP government and for it to continue, it is necessary to keep the Congress out (of power),” the prime minister said.
Mr Modi courted women voters and said a 33% quota for women in parliament would be implemented from the 2029 general elections.
“A special session of parliament has been called on April 16 to discuss this issue with all parties and to move it forward. But some people are trying to spread rumors about that too,” he said.
The budget session of Parliament has been extended for another three days and will meet again on April 16 after a short break, with the Center planning to pass legislation to increase the number of Lok Sabha seats from 543 to 816.
The proposed increase in seats is aimed at facilitating the implementation of the Women’s Reservation Act, which was passed in 2023.
“All the states in the country will benefit from this… they have been waiting for this for 40 years and the women of Assam should urge all parties to ensure that the bill is passed,” Mr Modi said. He accused the Congress of neglecting the tribes when it was in power.
“The Congress helped the infiltrators to settle in the places of worship. But the BJP government is evicting them and giving land documents to the natives of the state.” He also greeted people on the occasion of BJP foundation day with the promise of making the nation developed and ‘Aatmanirbhar’ (self-sufficient).
“Congress is now left in several states, but they are not bringing out report cards for the work they have done. On the other hand, BJP is reaching out to people with what they have done, especially for farmers,” he said.
He said the minimum support price for paddy has been increased from ₹1,300 per quintal in 2013 to ₹2,370 per quintal at present.
“Farmers’ incomes are increasing and the BJP is transferring money directly to their bank accounts, bypassing middlemen,” he said.
In a local reference, Mr. Modi said that Assam’s famous ‘Joha’ rice is now being exported to European countries. Elections to 126 Assembly constituencies in Assam will be held on April 9, while the counting of votes will take place on May 4.
Published – 06 Apr 2026 17:11 IST
