Vikas and Virasat has got a boost in past 10 years: PM Modi in Guwahati

• PM Modi blames past governments for neglecting development and cultural heritage
• Modi highlights positive outcomes in rural Assam through the BJP's focus on development and heritage
• Prime Minister announces new medical college projects and infrastructure improvements in Assam

Addressing his first public meeting in Assam's Guwahati ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, Prime Minister Narendra Modi attributed the lack of development to previous governments, accusing them of neglecting India's cultural heritage. In a veiled reference to the Congress,Modi stated,“Civilizations which used to be very prosperous till 200 years ago, now lie in ruins. Unfortunately, those who ruled the country for long after independence failed to recognise the importance of religious places. For political gains, they created a trend of feeling ashamed of one’s own culture and past,” Modi said, in an indirect jibe to the Congress.

“No country can become developed by erasing, forgetting its past and by cutting its roots. I am satisfied that in the past 10 years, the situation has changed in India. The double-engine government of BJP [Bharatiya Janata Party] has made both development and heritage (Vikas and Virasat) part of its policy,” he added.

Prime Minister highlighted the direct benefits to the youth through the government's focus on development and heritage, citing increased enthusiasm in the tourism and religious pilgrimage sectors. Modi provided examples of successful projects, including the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor in Varanasi and the consecration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. Additionally, he announced the implementation of the Divyalok Pariyojana at Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati, anticipating similar positive results.

Modi noted the significant expansion of colleges and universities in Assam over the past decade, emphasizing the state's progress in the education sector. As part of the infrastructure boost, he laid the foundation stones for a Rs.3,250 crore project to enhance amenities and infrastructure at the existing Gauhati Medical College Hospital and announced a new medical college in the Barak Valley region.