The Prime Minister emphasized that the future of India lies in its eastern and northeastern regions, predicting that the 21st century will be defined by the growth and development of the East, highlighting its potential for progress and transformation.
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the inaugural session of the Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav, expressed his disappointment over the historical neglect faced by the northeastern states from prior administrations. He attributed this oversight to the region's relatively smaller population and fewer electoral votes. During his speech, he emphasized how his administration has bridged the emotional and developmental gap between the heart of the country and its northeastern counterpart over the past decade.
The Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav marks a significant milestone as it celebrates the cultural richness and potential of the northeastern region. In his remarks, the Prime Minister proclaimed that the future is bright for eastern India, particularly for the northeast, asserting that the 21st century will be defined by the East's growth and contributions.
Highlighting the proactive measures taken by his government, Modi revealed that Union ministers have made over 700 visits to the Northeast in the last ten years, aiming to interlink the region through emotional ties, economic growth, and ecological sustainability. He pointed out that his administration has prioritized the development of infrastructure and the empowerment of local communities, thus reinforcing the commitment to uplift the area.
Modi also paid tribute to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who initiated the establishment of a dedicated ministry for the northeastern states and mandated that a minimum of 20% of the budget from every ministry be allocated for its advancement. He criticized the former governments for allowing electoral considerations to overshadow the developmental needs of the northeastern states, which he believes led to significant stagnation in progress.
During his address, the Prime Minister noted that his government has worked diligently to reduce both emotional and physical distances between Delhi and the northeastern states. The ongoing Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav, held from December 6 to 8 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, is intended to highlight the diverse cultural, social, and economic attributes of the eight northeastern states: Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Manipur, Nagaland, Mizoram, Tripura, and Sikkim.
Union Minister for Communications and Development of the North Eastern Region, Jyotiraditya Scindia, underscored the significance of the event. He characterized it as historic, meant to present the region's multifaceted potential as a vital contributor to India's future. Scindia expressed optimism that this inaugural festival would become a lasting emblem of the Prime Minister's vision for the Northeast's bright future.
Additionally, Modi highlighted the prospects for cities in the northeast, such as Guwahati, Shillong, Imphal, Itanagar, and Aizawl, sharing aspirations that they would become new hubs of growth comparable to major cities like Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Bengaluru. He reiterated the immense potential that lies within the northeast's vibrant culture and dynamic population to drive India's advancement.
The Prime Minister also mentioned various initiatives aimed at fostering peace in the region. He noted that several significant peace agreements have been reached, resulting in reduced violence and amicable resolutions to border disputes between states. Modi pointed out the lifting of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) from numerous districts as a sign of progress towards restoring normalcy.
Present at the event were Union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and the chief ministers of Assam, Tripura, and Sikkim, who echoed the Prime Minister's sentiments regarding the transformation of the Northeast under the National Democratic Alliance government. Sonowal criticized the Congress for its past inaction and corruption, arguing that it has no grounds to claim progress in the region compared to the substantial advancements made since 2014.
He asserted that the strategic and focused approach of Modi's government has significantly improved governance and service delivery, making welfare and development accessible to citizens across the northeastern states. Sonowal highlighted the remarkable increase in budget allocations for the region, emphasizing that the investment in infrastructure has also experienced unprecedented growth. He concluded by calling for the Congress to apologize to the people of the Northeast for its historical negligence while celebrating the positive changes ushered in by the current government.
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