Guwahati, Jan 30: The Assam BJP on Thursday launched a scathing attack on the Congress, accusing the party of spreading lies and false propaganda to derail the Advantage Assam 2.0 (Investment and Infrastructure Summit) and hinder the state’s progress.
Addressing a press conference at Vajpayee Bhawan in Basistha, Assam BJP spokesperson Subhash Dutta alleged that Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi has been making misleading statements about Advantage Assam over the past few days. “His comments suggest that Congress is conspiring to present a distorted image of Assam before the world,” Dutta claimed.
He further accused the Congress’ social media wing of deliberately criticizing the Assam government’s efforts in organizing the summit, fearing that the state’s rapid development under Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma would diminish their political relevance.
Refuting Gogoi’s claim that the Assam government can’t sustain existing industries, Dutta challenged him to name any non-functional industries. “Since the BJP-led government took charge, most PSUs have been revived. Assam Gas Company Ltd and Assam Petrochemicals Ltd are now profit-making entities,” he asserted.
Highlighting Assam’s industrial growth, Dutta noted that between 2016 and 2021, despite challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic, Numaligarh Refinery’s capacity expanded from 3 MMT to 9 MMT. He also pointed to major infrastructure developments, such as the expansion of Guwahati Airport and the construction of the Pancharatna Bridge, as evidence of the state’s progress.
According to Dutta, Advantage Assam 2.0 aims to propel the state toward rapid industrialization and economic growth, attracting foreign investments, particularly in renewable energy. “Congress is worried because Assam’s Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) has surged from $21.4 billion in 2013-14 to $60.8 billion in 2023-24 fiscal. They see the rising popularity of CM Himanta Biswa Sarma and are desperate to derail this progress,” he said.
Dutta also took a dig at a Congress leader from Karnataka, who recently stated that Assam is not a suitable destination for a semiconductor project. He emphasized that the state government’s efforts to attract international investors, including CM Sarma’s visits to Japan and South Korea, aim to bolster Assam’s economic potential.
Highlighting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Act East Policy’, Dutta reiterated that the summit will bring substantial investments in roadways, inland water transport, civil aviation, and other key sectors.
“Congress must stop playing politics at the cost of Assam’s future. Every citizen has a role in making Advantage Assam a success. This summit will be a milestone in the state’s journey toward economic prosperity,” Dutta added.
