PM Modi Criticizes Congress's Northeast Development Record in Itanagar, Unveils ₹5,100 Crore Projects

Prime Minister Modi Addresses Rally in Itanagar

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during a public rally in Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh, on Monday, September 22, 2025, strongly criticized the Congress party, alleging that its 'inherent habit' of abandoning challenging development work has significantly harmed the Northeast region. The Prime Minister's remarks were made after he unveiled and laid the foundation stone for development projects valued at over ₹5,100 crore in the state.

Addressing the gathering, which included Arunachal Pradesh Governor Kaiwalya Trivikram Parnaik, Chief Minister Pema Khandu, and Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, PM Modi stated that the Congress had neglected tribal and border regions, leading to migration. He accused previous administrations of dismissing these areas as 'backward' or 'last villages' due to their challenging terrain and limited parliamentary representation, specifically noting Arunachal Pradesh's two Lok Sabha seats.

Focus on Regional Development and Infrastructure

Countering the alleged past neglect, Prime Minister Modi highlighted his government's commitment to the region. He asserted that his administration has redefined 'backward districts' as 'aspirational districts' and 'last villages' as the nation's 'first villages,' prioritizing their growth. Modi emphasized that his guiding principle is 'Nation First' and 'Nagrik Devo Bhava' ('the citizen is God'), rather than focusing on votes or parliamentary seats.

The Prime Minister underscored his personal engagement with the Northeast, stating he has visited the region over 70 times and frequently dispatched ministers and officials, recognizing that development cannot be managed solely from Delhi.

The newly inaugurated and foundation-laid projects in Arunachal Pradesh, totaling over ₹5,100 crore, include significant infrastructure developments:

• Two major hydropower projects in Shi Yomi district: the Tato-I Hydro Electric Project (186 MW), valued at ₹1,750 crore, and the Heo Hydro Electric Project (240 MW), costing ₹1,939 crore. These projects are a joint venture between the Arunachal Pradesh government and the North Eastern Electric Power Corporation Limited (NEEPCO).
• A modern convention center in Tawang, to be built under the PM-DevINE scheme at a cost of ₹145.37 crore.
• Additional infrastructure projects worth over ₹1,290 crore, spanning sectors such as connectivity, health, and fire safety.

Modi also referenced existing projects like the Sela tunnel and the new terminal at Hollongi airport, alongside the Vibrant Village Programme, which has provided roads, electricity, internet, and tourism facilities to over 450 border villages.

Economic Reforms and Congress's Rebuttal

In his address, PM Modi also lauded the 'next-generation' GST reforms, describing them as a 'double bonanza' for the festive season due to reduced taxes on essential items. He contrasted this with what he claimed was the Congress's history of increasing taxes.

In response to the Prime Minister's criticisms, the Arunachal Pradesh Congress unit accused Modi of using an official event for political campaigning. They alleged misuse of public funds and forced attendance of state employees at the rally. The Congress highlighted its own historical contributions to the region's development, including Jawaharlal Nehru's establishment of the North-East Frontier Agency (NEFA) and Indira Gandhi's granting of Union Territory status to Arunachal Pradesh in 1972.