Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the Northeast’s key role in India’s growth during a rally in Itanagar on Monday. He called the region a major driving force for the nation’s development, especially after kicking off 13 new projects worth more than Rs 5,127 crore in Arunachal Pradesh.
Speaking at Indira Gandhi Park, Modi shared India’s bold goal: producing 500 gigawatts of clean energy from solar, wind, and water sources. “Arunachal Pradesh will play a big part in hitting this target,” he said, noting that several power plants are now ramping up in the state to boost renewable energy efforts.
Modi made it clear the Northeast holds a special place in his heart. He pointed out how the region fell behind during the Congress-led years. “We don’t chase votes—we follow a ‘Nation First’ approach,” he explained. His government has sped up progress nationwide, including in the Northeast, without limiting decisions to Delhi.
To show his commitment, Modi revealed he’s visited the Northeast over 70 times in the last 11 years. Union ministers have made more than 800 trips too, heading straight to remote hills and villages to check projects and listen to locals. “Under Congress, ministers rarely showed up,” he added. Just last week, he launched initiatives in Mizoram, Manipur, and Assam.
Modi recalled how Arunachal Pradesh, where the sun rises first in India, often got development aid last. He criticized past leaders for ignoring the state because it only sends two MPs to Parliament. “We flip that script,” Modi said. “We treat the Northeast’s eight states like Ashtalakshmi—rich in resources and potential—and prioritize growth over politics.”
On funding, he stressed fairness: Every state gets its share of central taxes. Arunachal alone has received over Rs 1 lakh crore in the past decade—16 times more than in the previous period. Plus, hundreds of projects have poured thousands of crores into infrastructure and services.
People in Arunachal and across the Northeast now enjoy better lives, with stronger healthcare, education, and business chances, Modi noted. He spotlighted the Sela Tunnel, a game-changer he inaugurated on March 9, 2024. This world’s longest bi-lane tunnel at 13,000 feet—made up of two tunnels and a link road—ensures year-round access to the Tawang area, a vital step for border connectivity.
Connectivity has transformed Arunachal, from new highways and extended railways to better air links. These upgrades spark trade, business, and jobs for young people. “Congress once labeled border villages as India’s ‘last villages,’ with aid arriving dead last,” Modi said. “Now, we’ve made them our ‘first villages.'”
Backward areas are turning into aspirational districts, and over 400 border villages now have all-weather roads, internet, and essentials. “These spots in Arunachal are blooming into tourism hotspots,” the Prime Minister added, painting a picture of a brighter future for the region.
Stay informed on all the latest news, real-time breaking news updates, and follow all the important headlines in world News on Latest NewsX. Follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter(X), Gettr and subscribe our Youtube Channel.
