Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday urged the Congress to support proposed amendments to the Women’s Reservation Act during an election rally in Assam.
Addressing a gathering in Dibrugarh ahead of the assembly polls, PM Modi said the government will take up amendments to the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam during a special session of Parliament later this month to enable implementation of 33 per cent reservation for women from the 2029 Lok Sabha elections.
“A special session of Parliament is scheduled for April 16, 17, and 18, in which there will be a discussion on amendments to the women’s reservation law. Provisions will be made that at least 33 per cent of women become MPs in the 2029 Lok Sabha elections,” PM Modi said.
“I have also urged Congress that it should not do politics on this, give full support to the amendment so that a decision in favour of women is made unanimously,” he added.
The Prime Minister accused the Congress of delaying the issue for years, stating that the landmark legislation was passed only under the BJP-led NDA government.
PM Modi targets Congress leadership
PM Modi targeted the Congress leadership, particularly the Nehru-Gandhi family.
“The so-called first family of Congress is the most corrupt family in the country,” he said. “They are the real land ATMs.”
Alleging misuse of land and institutional resources, PM Modi added, “These people are facing allegations of grabbing land worth thousands of crores of rupees in major cities like Delhi and Mumbai – the National Herald scam.”
“Let me tell you what the true land grab is. The so-called first family of Congress, the royal family that lives in Delhi, is the most corrupt family in the country. They are the real land ATMs,” the Prime Minister said.
“These are the misdeeds of the royal family. And then they come here and make false allegations against others,” he added.
Targeting the Congress’s past governance in Assam, PM Modi alleged that the state was neglected for decades.
“Congress has not only been corrupt, but has also not willing to work. As a result, generations in Assam have struggled with unemployment,” he said.
“In contrast, the BJP-NDA is working with integrity to create job opportunities. We are committed to transforming Assam into the power capital of the country, with Dibrugarh set to become a major hub,” the Prime Minister added.
He also accused the previous governments of failing to develop the state’s natural resources.
“During the Congress rule, while oil and gas were discovered in Assam, refining and industrial development took place outside the state, depriving locals of economic benefits,” PM Modi said.
“The BJP government is changing this situation. Assam is now becoming self-reliant in these sectors, ensuring that the state and its people directly benefit from its natural resources,” he added.
Infrastructure push highlighted
The Prime Minister highlighted infrastructure development in the state, particularly road connectivity.
“I see a large number of young people here in this gathering. These young friends may not remember Assam before 2001,” PM Modi said.
“The Numaligarh to Dibrugarh highway is an example of how Congress neglected Assam. This highway was approved in 2005, but nothing was done on it until 2013,” he added.
“At that time, the Congress government was in power at the centre… Both Upper Assam and Barakwali were forgotten by the Congress,” the Prime Minister said.
Drawing a contrast with the present, PM Modi said, “A few days ago, the whole world witnessed the grand scene of Moran, when fighter jets landed on the highway built by the BJP-NDA government. I myself landed on the road from an Air Force plane.”
“Ten years ago, the people of Assam had to plead for roads to be built, at least so that vehicles could run. Today, highways have been built where not only cars but even airplanes can land,” he added.
(With ANI inputs)
