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GUWAHATI, MAY 24: PRIME Minister Narendra Modi today said the Centre would extend all assistance to Assam and other north eastern states to ensure their speedy development as part of the Act East Policy.
“Assam will be the centre point to bring about effective all-round development of the entire North East and this region will emerge as powerfully developed part of the country as a part of our Act East Policy,” Modi said addressing a mammoth gathering after the swearing-in of first BJP government in Assam under Sarbananda Sonowal.
“We have a vision of all-round and balanced development in all parts of the country. We cannot rest if only the western part of the country progresses and the eastern part lag behinds. We are committed to ensure development of Assam, Bengal, Bihar, Orissa and the entire North East.”
The Centre, he said, believes in competitive and cooperative federalism. “We give maximum power to the states who want to progress while we hold hands of states who are not strong enough and ensure that they too are brought to the path of progress and development.”
NE region was earlier called the ‘Seven Sisters’. “But for us it is ‘asthalakshmi’ (including Sikkim) and we are committed to the region’s all-round balanced development.”
The prime minister said all governments since Independence have done something good for the nation. “We must take this forward while striving to remove the prevailing deficiencies.”
Modi assured that the Centre will not allow Assam to feel deprived in any way and will try to provide assistance in the same speed that the state government wants to bring about change and development. Assam’s deep rooted culture, ethics and values must be brought to the fore to inspire the rest of the country so that it can achieve moral strength and reach new heights, he said.
Modi said Assam and the North Eastern region has special importance in strengthening ties with Eastern nations.
The prime minister said if the people and government move together you will get unprecedented results.
“I assure you our government at Centre believes in cooperative federalism and we believe in giving more power to states. Assam will not let down on any issue by the Centre,” Modi said.
The prime minister expressed confidence that the new government in Assam under Sonowal would strive to fulfil the aspirations and dreams of the people who reposed immense faith in BJP during the recent assembly polls.
He said Sonowal will leave no stone unturned in fulfilling the dreams of Assam.
Sonowal’s becoming the chief minister was a moment of triumph and pride not only for the adivasis (tribals) but also for the entire nation, he said.
“Sonowal was my colleague in the Union ministry and I observed his simplicity, good nature, the smiling happy persona, humility. The ease with which he won over people is indeed appreciable.
“I have come here to thank the people of Assam who have dreamt of development and elected Sonowal and the others to ensure that their dreams are azaar e ... I assure them that the new government will work with dedication and sincerity for the welfare of Assam,” Modi added.