Sarbananda Sonowal Hits Back at Congress, Showcases Modi Government’s Transformative Achievements in Northeast
Shillong : Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, has strongly rebutted the Congress party’s criticism of the Modi government, asserting that the party has “forfeited the moral right to criticise” the transformative achievements of the past 11 years. Addressing a press conference in Shillong, the former Assam Chief Minister and prominent Northeast leader highlighted how Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s governance has ushered in an era of peace, progress, and prosperity in the region.
Congress’s Legacy of Neglect vs. Modi’s Era of Development
“The Congress destroyed the Northeast through six decades of misgovernance, marked by insurgency, terrorism, and deprivation,” Shri Sonowal said. “Prime Minister Modi’s decisive leadership reversed this damage, empowering the Northeast to emerge as the growth engine of New India.”
Under the Modi government, over ₹44,859 crore has been invested across 3,600+ development projects in the region, including the construction of 10 greenfield airports and massive expansions in road, rail, and air connectivity.
Massive Healthcare Push & Cancer Network
Sonowal proudly declared that South Asia’s largest cancer care hospital network is being developed in Assam, and that the ₹64,180 crore investment in healthcare has been a corrective response to 60 years of neglect under Congress regimes.
Tourism, Connectivity & Organic Farming at the Forefront
With a vision for sustainable growth, ₹244 crore has been sanctioned under Swadesh Darshan to promote tourism in Meghalaya. Iconic destinations such as Umiam Lake, Sohpetbneng, Krang Suri Falls, Siju Caves, and Nokrek Reserve are being transformed into eco-friendly global attractions.
Highlighting the tourism boom in Meghalaya, Sonowal said, “This beautiful state is now a top destination for both domestic and international tourists — a testament to Modi Ji’s vision of responsible, immersive tourism.”
Revolutionising Infrastructure & Economic Growth
Shri Sonowal announced that central grants to Meghalaya have increased by 105%, with tax revenues growing sixfold. Major initiatives include:
Greenfield High-Speed Corridor (₹22,864 crore) between Mawlyngkhung and Panchgram
540 km of National Highways constructed
Urban mobility projects in New Shillong and Tura under PM-DevINE
Post-matric scholarships for over 76,000 SC/ST/OBC students
₹2,331 crore disbursed under MUDRA loans
Threefold increase in NHM funding
Empowering Farmers & Women
More than 2.19 lakh farmers in the region have benefitted from the Mission Organic Value Chain Development, with 434 FPOs formed covering 1.73 lakh hectares. Women’s empowerment has been central, with historic steps like 33% reservation in legislatures, admission to NDA, and direct benefit transfers for over 3.9 crore pregnant women.
North-East as India’s Gateway to East Asia
The Minister underscored the strategic importance of the Northeast in India’s Act East Policy. “No longer a peripheral region, the Northeast is India’s gateway,
