‘Modi is insulting state; BJP-led tieup divisive’

Congress president Sonia Gandhi here on Wednesday cautioned the people of Assam against the design of the saffron alliance accusing them of threatening the social fabric of the state if voted to power.

In an obvious reference to the AGP-BJP alliance, Mrs Gandhi said that two dangerous forces of communalism and divisiveness have joined hands.

Addressing her first public meeting in the run-up to the Assembly polls at Amguri, Mrs Gandhi took potshots at the Prime Minister for his remarks linking his humble origin as a tea seller with Assam tea and said, “Those working in the tea gardens as well as tribals are asking when will the good days (achchhe din) come.”

She alleged, “The BJP is trying to topple all state governments ruled by the Congress. If possible, they would have done the same in Assam.”

Accusing the Prime Minister of insulting Assam and Northeast, Mrs Gandhi cautioned that the composite culture of the state was in danger and if the BJP-AGP-BPF government came to power in the state, the era of peace and development, which she claimed was brought during the 15-year-rule of Tarun Gogoi in the state, would be under threat.

She said, “Modi appreciates tea workers. But Modi doesn’t know their real condition.” It was the Congress and its three-time chief minister Tarun Gogoi, who protested and increased the minimum wages of tea workers, she said, alleging, everyone knows how the Modi government has dealt with Assam.

She said, “PM Modi refused to give food when Assam was battling flood. Even the status of special category state that was given to Assam by the UPA government has been taken back.”

Accusing BJP government of not consulting the states that would be affected by the Naga accord, Mrs Gandhi asked, “Why Assam is being humiliated ”

In an obvious reference of Prime Minister’s age related dig at Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi, the Congress president said, “Why are you insulting people of Assam, chief minister Tarun Gogoi ”

Reminding the people of the achievements of the chief minister, Mrs Gandhi said, “Before this, Assam was known for militancy and violence... under Tarun Gogoi, Assam has emerged as a progressive state.”

Mrs Gandhi also came down heavily on BJP failing to stop industrialists fleeing with bank money.

“What happened to those promises made by the Prime Minister.. it’s been two years.. youths are still struggling for job,” said Mrs Gandhi while appealing the voters to vote for Congress and forth term to Mr Gogoi.