Modi is first PM to visit Majuli

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday became the first Indian PM to visit one of the largest river islands of Asia — Majuli.

Though Majuli has always been the centre of attraction for political parties, no Prime Minister had visited Majuli, an island located between the rivers Brahmaputra and Lohit.

Addressing a huge public rally on the river island, Mr Modi accused the ruling Congress of failing to protect the island, a part of the cultural heritage of India.

He said the Congress remained a mute spectator while erosion by the Brahmaputra reduced its area from 1,200 sq. km to 400 sq. km. Asking people to vote for BJP chief ministerial candidate Sarbananda Sonowal, who is contesting from Majuli, Mr Modi said, “I have taken a diamond from Assam who proved to be a very capable minister — he is none other than Union minister Sarbananda.” He added that it is time to give back to Assam its diamond. “Congress has done grave injustice to Assam. Congress has a habit of eating money. However, I never knew that it would also eat up the beautiful island of Majuli, which is the largest sweet-water island in Asia, a heritage of India,” said Mr Modi.

Mr Modi also highlighted the initiative of his government to link Majuli river island with roads besides steps to protect the heritage island from erosion and other forms of destruction.