Rajnath says BJP restored peace in Assam, spurred development

Guwahati: Defense Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said the BJP-led government has accelerated “unprecedented development” in Assam by restoring peace and claimed that over 7,500 militants have laid down their arms and returned to the mainstream.Addressing a rally held in Tezpur for Asom Gana Parishad candidate Pritiraj Rabha, Singh said the Centre’s policies have weakened militancy, terrorism and Nazism across the country. The AGP is contesting the assembly elections as part of a BJP-led alliance.“Be it terrorism, Nazism or militancy, all these have come to an end under the Modi government. More than 7,500 militants have laid down their arms and returned to the mainstream in the state,” Singh said, adding that the developments under Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma were “miraculous”. He also praised efforts to save the land from encroachment.He attacked the Congress, accusing the party of neglecting Assam and doubting its potential. Referring to criticism of projects like Jagiroad’s Rs 27,000-crore semiconductor plant, he said Congress Netas had made a mockery of the BJP’s development agenda. He criticized Congressman Priyank Kharge’s remarks questioning the plant. “Congress has misused the talents of Assam’s youth,” Singh added.On illegal immigration, he said, “No illegal infiltrator can stay in Assam.”Later, at a rally for BJP candidate Dutta in Durgaon, Singh said the Congress had given Assam “stepmother treatment” by distancing itself from Delhi, which had led to its rejection by voters.