Guwahati : With campaigning entering its final stretch ahead of the Assam Assembly elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday intensified the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) electoral push, urging voters to view their ballot not merely as a choice of government but as a mandate to protect Assam’s land, identity and future.

Addressing a packed rally in Barpeta in support of BJP candidate Ranjeet Kumar Dass, Modi outlined his vision of a “Viksit Bharat” while highlighting women’s empowerment, development initiatives, and launching a sharp attack on the Congress.

Emphasising increased political participation of women, the Prime Minister reiterated the Centre’s commitment to implementing 33 per cent reservation for women in legislative bodies. He said efforts were underway to ensure its full realisation ahead of the 2029 Lok Sabha elections.

“To strengthen the role of women in the Assembly, 33% reservation has been ensured. By the 2029 Lok Sabha elections, women should fully get this right,” Modi said, adding that discussions had been held with political parties and a special meeting was scheduled later this month, even as he accused some groups of attempting to stall the move.

He asserted that the proposed quota would not adversely affect any section and called upon women voters to press all political parties to support the initiative.

Turning to the Opposition, Modi launched a pointed attack on the Congress, claiming the party was headed towards a prolonged phase of electoral defeats. “The people of Assam have decided two things – the NDA will form the government for a third consecutive term, and the Congress leadership in Delhi will register a century of losses,” he said.

The Prime Minister also highlighted the scale of public turnout at the rally, describing it as unprecedented in his political experience. “Even during my years in Gujarat, I have rarely seen such a gathering at this hour,” he remarked.

Reiterating the BJP’s development plank, Modi said Assam was on a path toward global integration, citing improvements in connectivity and growth in sectors such as tourism. He underscored gains in agriculture, noting that Assam’s aromatic Joha rice had begun reaching international markets.

“The fragrance of Joha rice is now reaching Europe, with exports to countries like Italy and England. This reflects the hard work of our farmers,” he said, adding that the minimum support price (MSP) for paddy had risen significantly over the past decade.

Issuing a political warning, Modi alleged that a Congress government could introduce policies aimed at portraying “infiltrators” as victims to secure vote bank support. “For them, power is above national interest and the rights of indigenous people,” he said, urging voters to remain vigilant against what he termed “misleading narratives”.

“Your vote is not just to form a government, but to protect your land, identity and future,” he asserted. Marking the BJP’s 47th Foundation Day, the Prime Minister also extended greetings to party workers nationwide, lauding their commitment to public service.

Modi is scheduled to address additional rallies later in the day in Hojai for BJP candidate Shiladitya Dev and in Dibrugarh in support of state minister Prasanta Phukan. Campaigning for the 126-member Assembly will conclude on April 8, with polling slated for April 9 and counting of votes scheduled for May 4.