In a sharp critique of the central government's performance, Assam Congress chief Gaurav Gogoi has labeled Prime Minister Narendra Modi's track record in India's northeastern region as 'extremely poor'. The assessment was delivered on 20 December 2025, highlighting economic concerns over a decade of governance.
A Decade of Disinvestment in Assam
Gogoi centered his criticism on the state of public sector undertakings (PSUs) in Assam. He claimed that over the past 11 years, corresponding with Modi's tenure at the Centre, these government-owned enterprises have been systematically shut down one after another. This, according to the Congress leader, represents a failure of economic policy and a blow to the region's industrial landscape and employment.
The Political Battle for the Northeast
The comments underscore the ongoing political contest in the Northeast, a region where the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has made significant electoral inroads in recent years. Gogoi's statement is a direct challenge to the narrative of development and progress often promoted by the ruling party for the area. By focusing on the closure of PSUs, he aims to question the tangible outcomes of the government's initiatives on the ground.
Implications and the Road Ahead
The allegations put forward by the Assam Congress chief point to several potential consequences:
- Job Losses: The shutdown of state-run units likely led to direct and indirect employment losses in Assam.
- Economic Slowdown: A reduction in industrial activity can have a cascading effect on the local economy.
- Political Repercussions: Such criticism is expected to fuel the opposition's campaign ahead of future elections, framing the debate around economic management and regional development.
While the government has often highlighted infrastructure projects and improved connectivity in the Northeast, Gogoi's remarks bring the focus back to core industrial and economic health. The critique sets the stage for a deeper debate on the true impact of federal policies on the region's socio-economic fabric.
