Assam Emerged as a Key Contributor to India’s Growth Story Under Modi: CM Himanta
In a letter marking Prime Minister Narendra Modi becoming India's longest-serving Prime Minister, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma highlighted major gains in infrastructure, culture, industry and connectivity under the NDA government.
NEW DELHI: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday conveyed his greetings and best wishes to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the latter becoming India’s longest-serving Prime Minister, describing his tenure as a transformative period that fundamentally altered Assam’s development trajectory and strengthened the state’s place in India’s growth story.
During celebrations marking the 12th anniversary of the NDA government at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, Sarma met the Prime Minister and handed over a letter expressing the gratitude and admiration of Assam’s 3.5 crore people.
In the letter, the Chief Minister said Assam’s journey from the periphery of national priorities to becoming a significant contributor to India’s economic growth reflected Prime Minister Modi’s vision and leadership.
From the Periphery to the Centre
Recalling the situation before 2014, Sarma said people in Assam and the Northeast often felt geographically and politically distant from the national mainstream despite their strong sense of belonging to India.
According to him, Prime Minister Modi transformed that relationship by placing the Northeast at the centre of national priorities and development planning.
The Chief Minister highlighted Modi’s description of the Northeast as “Ashtalakshmi” and his vision of the region becoming the “New Engine” of India’s growth. He said these ideas inspired confidence among millions and helped reshape perceptions of the region from one associated with challenges to one recognised for its opportunities and strengths.
Sarma also recalled Prime Minister Modi’s appreciation of Assam when the state became the first in the country to ratify the Goods and Services Tax (GST), noting that his remark, “A for Assam,” resonated strongly with the people.
A Strong Connect With Assam
The Chief Minister said Prime Minister Modi shares a unique bond with Assam, pointing out that he has visited the state 36 times during his tenure — more than any previous Prime Minister.
According to Sarma, each visit reinforced the message that Assam’s aspirations mattered to the nation.
He also highlighted the Prime Minister’s consistent promotion of Assamese identity through the use of the traditional phulam gamocha at national and international events.
The letter further recalled an interaction with tea garden communities during the distribution of land pattas, when Modi reportedly stopped a beneficiary from touching his feet and instead bowed himself, a gesture Sarma described as reflecting respect for the dignity of ordinary citizens.
Promoting Assam’s Cultural Heritage
Sarma credited the Prime Minister with bringing unprecedented national and global attention to Assam’s cultural traditions.
He cited the historic Bihu performance involving thousands of artists, recognition of the Bodo community’s Bagurumba dance and the celebration of Jhumur culture as examples of initiatives that generated pride among communities across the state.
The Chief Minister also noted that Prime Minister Modi became the first Prime Minister to spend a night at Kaziranga National Park, helping draw global attention to one of Assam’s most iconic natural heritage sites.
Recognition of History and Identity
The letter highlighted several milestones achieved during the Prime Minister’s tenure, including the inscription of Charaideo Moidam as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the granting of Classical Language status to Assamese and renewed national recognition of Ahom general Lachit Barphukan.
Sarma said these achievements strengthened Assam’s cultural identity and secured long-awaited recognition for the state’s historical contributions.
Infrastructure, Industry and Connectivity
Highlighting economic development, the Chief Minister pointed to major investments and industrial projects, including the expansion of Numaligarh Refinery to 9 MMTPA, the bamboo-based Bio-Refinery project and the Rs 27,000-crore Tata semiconductor facility at Jagiroad.
He described the semiconductor project as a landmark investment that positions Assam as an emerging destination for advanced technology and manufacturing.
Sarma also highlighted major infrastructure projects, including the new terminal at Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport and the rapid expansion of connectivity across the Brahmaputra through bridges, highways, new corridors and the proposed underwater tunnel.
According to the Chief Minister, these projects are expected to significantly improve connectivity, economic integration and investment opportunities across the state.
Message of Gratitude
Concluding the letter, Sarma said the people of Assam view these achievements not merely as policy outcomes but as evidence of leadership that recognised, respected and invested in the aspirations of the state.
He conveyed the collective gratitude of the people of Assam to Prime Minister Modi and said his leadership had fundamentally transformed Assam’s development journey while strengthening its role in India’s future.
