Guwahati: In a pointed critique of the Congress party, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday accused the opposition of “encouraging infiltrators” in Assam rather than safeguarding the state’s cultural heritage, identity, and development. Speaking at the Bagurumba Dwhou 2026, a grand cultural event celebrating the traditions of the Bodo community, Modi emphasized the significance of Assam’s unique cultural landscape while highlighting the efforts of the present government to restore and protect the state’s resources.
The Bagurumba Dwhou, held at Guwahati’s Sarusajai Stadium, saw a massive gathering of citizens, including dignitaries, officials, and performers. Nearly 10,000 women dancers from all 23 districts of Assam participated in the Bagurumba dance, one of the most iconic folk dances of the state. The festival, which celebrates the Bodo community’s rich heritage and contributions, was marked by vibrant performances, traditional music, and cultural ceremonies that pay homage to Assam’s centuries-old traditions.
Addressing the crowd, PM Modi drew attention to what he described as the historical failures of the Congress party in Assam. “When we honour Assam’s culture and identity, there are some people who feel discomfort,” Modi said. He referred to specific instances, such as the Congress’s opposition to awarding the Bharat Ratna to Bhupen Hazarika, the legendary singer, composer, and cultural icon of Assam. Modi also highlighted the party’s resistance to initiatives aimed at industrial development, citing its opposition to setting up a semiconductor manufacturing facility in the state.
“These examples reflect a pattern,” Modi said, “Congress doesn’t like the people of Assam; they love foreign infiltrators, as they come here and become hardcore supporters of the party. That’s why the party encouraged infiltrators, who in turn encroached large tracts of land. I am happy that the present government under Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma is freeing lakhs of bighas of encroached land.”
The Prime Minister’s remarks drew attention to Assam’s longstanding issues with illegal migration and land encroachment, which have historically been sources of social tension and administrative challenges. The current administration, led by CM Himanta Biswa Sarma, has undertaken several measures to reclaim encroached land and restore governance over areas that were unlawfully occupied. According to Modi, these efforts are part of a larger strategy to secure Assam’s territorial integrity and ensure that local communities benefit from the state’s resources.
The Bagurumba Dwhou 2026 served not only as a cultural celebration but also as a platform to honor the Bodo community’s historical contributions to Assam. Modi emphasized that the event was a tribute to Bodo society and an opportunity to remember the community’s heroes. “Today’s Bagurumba dance event is a lively festival of Bodo identity. It is a tribute to Bodo society and Assam’s rich heritage. The event is to honour Bodo society and remember the heroes of the community,” he said.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the significance of the Bodo peace accord signed in January 2020, which he described as a turning point for stability and development in the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR). The BTR administers four districts in Assam, and the peace agreement was intended to resolve longstanding conflicts, promote inclusive governance, and pave the way for economic growth. “The Bodo peace accord has brought stability to the region and created opportunities for growth and development. Peace in Bodoland benefits all communities in Assam,” Modi noted.
The event witnessed the presence of several prominent dignitaries, including Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Union Ministers Sarbananda Sonowal and Pabitra Margherita, Assembly Speaker Biswajit Daimary, ministers of the Assam government, and other notable guests. Their attendance underscored the political and cultural importance of the Bagurumba Dwhou and the government’s commitment to celebrating Assam’s indigenous communities.
Beyond the cultural celebrations, the Prime Minister outlined upcoming infrastructure and transportation projects aimed at boosting connectivity and development in Assam. On Sunday, he is scheduled to lay the foundation stone for the Kaziranga Elevated Corridor Project, a ₹6,950-crore initiative focused on the four-laning of the Kaliabor–Numaligarh section of National Highway 715 (NH-715). This 86-kilometer project is designed with environmental considerations in mind and will include a 35-kilometer elevated wildlife corridor passing through the Kaziranga National Park. Additionally, the project will feature a 21-kilometer bypass section and 30 kilometers of road widening.
The Kaziranga Elevated Corridor is intended to balance infrastructure development with wildlife conservation. The elevated corridor will enable the safe passage of animals through the national park, significantly reducing human–wildlife conflict. The project will also improve road safety, decrease travel time, lower accident rates, and accommodate growing passenger and freight traffic. Modi emphasized that such environmentally conscious development is essential for preserving Assam’s natural heritage while supporting economic growth.
In addition to the corridor project, the Prime Minister announced the flagging off of two new Amrit Bharat Express trains during his visit. The new trains include the Guwahati (Kamakhya)–Rohtak Amrit Bharat Express and the Dibrugarh–Lucknow (Gomti Nagar) Amrit Bharat Express. These new train services are expected to enhance connectivity between Assam and other parts of the country, facilitating trade, tourism, and mobility for residents.
Modi’s visit to Assam, which also included a day-long trip to West Bengal prior to arriving in Guwahati, reflects the central government’s focus on both cultural recognition and infrastructure development in the northeastern states. His address at the Bagurumba Dwhou underscored the intertwined nature of identity, heritage, and governance, while also providing a platform to critique the opposition party’s historical policies and approaches in the region.
Political analysts note that Modi’s comments on Congress encouraging infiltrators are likely aimed at highlighting a contrast between past governance and current policies. By emphasizing the current government’s efforts to reclaim encroached land and prioritize Assam’s culture and development, the Prime Minister reinforced his administration’s narrative of proactive governance and protection of local interests. The remarks also resonate with long-standing public sentiment in Assam regarding illegal migration, land rights, and the preservation of indigenous identity.
The Bagurumba Dwhou 2026, thus, served multiple purposes: it was a vibrant celebration of Bodo culture, a demonstration of state-supported cultural promotion, a political platform to critique opposition policies, and a stage to announce upcoming infrastructure projects. The Prime Minister’s speech highlighted both the symbolic and practical dimensions of governance in Assam—emphasizing cultural respect, peace, development, and ecological balance.
As Assam prepares for the implementation of major infrastructure projects like the Kaziranga Elevated Corridor and enhanced railway connectivity, the state stands at a crossroads of tradition and modernization. Modi’s address underscored the need to protect the state’s unique identity while embracing development initiatives that improve living standards and connectivity for its citizens. The Prime Minister’s visit, cultural engagement, and policy announcements reflect a comprehensive approach to governance that intertwines cultural pride with economic progress.
In conclusion, the Bagurumba Dwhou 2026 was not only a celebration of Assam’s Bodo heritage but also a platform where national and state-level governance issues intersected with cultural expression. PM Modi’s address highlighted the importance of preserving Assam’s identity, implementing development projects responsibly, and ensuring that the state’s resources benefit its people. With upcoming infrastructure initiatives and enhanced connectivity projects, the government aims to create a balance between cultural preservation, environmental conservation, and economic growth, setting a precedent for inclusive development in the northeastern region.
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