PM Modi Begins Two-Day Assam Trip with Major Project Launches
Prime Minister Narendra Modi starts a two-day visit to Assam on Saturday. This marks his second trip to the election-bound state in less than three weeks. The visit underscores the political importance of Assam ahead of the 2026 assembly elections.
Cultural and Infrastructure Agenda in Guwahati and Nagaon
On Saturday evening, Modi will attend "Bagurumba Dwhou 2026" at Sarusajai Stadium in Guwahati. Over 10,000 Bodo artists from 81 assembly constituencies across 23 districts will perform the traditional Bagurumba dance. This synchronized cultural showcase aims to engage tribal and ethnic communities, whose support is vital in Assam's electoral landscape.
On Sunday, the Prime Minister will launch key infrastructure projects. He will perform the bhoomi pujan for the Rs 6,950-crore Kaziranga Elevated Corridor Project at Kaliabor in Nagaon district. This landmark initiative involves:
- Four-laning the Kaliabor–Numaligarh section of NH-715.
- An 86-km project with a 35-km elevated wildlife corridor through Kaziranga National Park.
- A 21-km bypass and widening of 30 km of the existing highway.
At Kaliabor, Modi will also flag off two Amrit Bharat Express trains:
- Kamakhya–Rohtak train.
- Dibrugarh–Lucknow (Gomti Nagar) train.
These trains strengthen rail connectivity between northeast and north India. Modi will address a public rally in Kaliabor as part of the event.
Connecting Visit to West Bengal and Previous Assam Trip
Before reaching Guwahati, Modi will visit West Bengal on Saturday. West Bengal is also going to polls along with Assam. In Malda town, he will flag off India's first Vande Bharat sleeper train between Howrah and Guwahati (Kamakhya).
This visit follows Modi's two-day trip to Assam on December 20-21. Combined, these back-to-back visits showcase projects worth nearly Rs 22,500 crore. They blend infrastructure delivery with cultural symbolism. During the December visit, Modi unveiled Rs 15,600 crore worth of projects, including:
- Opening the new Guwahati airport terminal.
- Laying the foundation stone for a Rs 10,600-crore brownfield ammonia-urea fertiliser project at Namrup.
That visit also included tributes at the Swahid Smarak Kshetra and a roadshow highlighting political intent.
Electoral Significance of Assam for BJP
Assam holds critical importance for the BJP in the upcoming 2026 assembly elections. Modi's frequent visits underline the state's centrality in the party's poll strategy. Observers note that Assam is the largest state in the northeast with 126 assembly seats. A strong performance here is crucial for the BJP to retain its dominance in the region.
Assam's political mood often influences neighbouring states. Consolidating Assam will strengthen the BJP's narrative as the primary force in the northeast. The party aims to leverage these project launches and cultural engagements to secure voter support.
