Tezpur : Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday credited the BJP-led governments at the Centre and in Assam for what he described as a “remarkable transformation” in the state’s security and development landscape, while launching a sharp attack on the Congress during a campaign rally in Tezpur.

Addressing voters in support of BJP candidate Prithiraj Rava in the Tezpur Assembly constituency, Singh said Assam has moved beyond its past association with insurgency and instability to emerge as a key growth driver in the Northeast.

“There was a time when Assam was identified with militancy, insurgency and poverty. Today, these are no longer the defining issues of the state,” Singh said, drawing on his experience in national security to underline the shift.

Highlighting the decline in insurgency-related incidents, Singh said the period between 2001 and 2015 saw sustained violence, with an average of over 300 incidents annually involving multiple militant outfits.

He attributed the improved security environment to a combination of policy decisions and political resolve under the leadership of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and the central government.

“More than 7,500 militants have surrendered under the BJP government. This reflects what the right policy framework and strong political will can achieve,” he said.

 Linking security gains with economic progress, Singh said the “double-engine government” has accelerated development across sectors. “Assam has become an engine of growth for the Northeast,” he asserted.

On economic indicators, he claimed that the state’s economy has nearly tripled over the past decade, with a growth rate of around 45% between 2020 and 2025, citing Reserve Bank of India assessments.

Projecting future ambitions, Singh said Assam is on track to achieve a $150-billion economy by 2030. “I firmly believe the state will meet this target,” he added.

Infrastructure and social sector expansion

The Defence Minister also highlighted sectoral improvements, particularly in healthcare and connectivity. He said the number of medical colleges in Assam has increased from six earlier to 14 at present, with 10 more in the pipeline.

“The health budget has risen from about Rs 4,000 crore during the Congress period to nearly Rs 9,000 crore now,” he noted.

On connectivity, Singh pointed to a significant expansion in air routes. “Before 2014, Assam had only seven air routes. Today, around 30 routes are operational, strengthening links with the rest of the country,” he said.

Targeting the opposition, Singh accused the Congress of neglecting Assam and the wider Northeast during its years in power.

“Congress kept Assam away from Delhi and ignored the aspirations of the region,” he alleged.

Contrasting approaches to border development, he added, “Congress described border villages as the last villages of India. We consider them the first villages of the nation.”

Singh also underscored the Centre’s engagement with the region under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, noting that Modi has visited Assam around 30 times over the past 11 years.

Expressing confidence ahead of the Assembly elections, the Defence Minister said the public mood favours the BJP-led alliance. “Looking at the enthusiasm among people, no force can stop the NDA from forming the government again in Assam,” he asserted.

The rally marks a key moment in the BJP’s campaign push as it seeks a third consecutive term in the state, with security gains and development metrics forming the core of its electoral pitch.