Narendra Modi on Friday criticised the Indian National Congress while addressing a programme related to development projects in Kokrajhar.

Speaking via video conference from Guwahati, the Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for multiple projects valued at more than Rs 4,500 crore. During his address, he alleged that the Congress had made promises that were not fulfilled and accused the party of creating divisions among communities for political purposes.

Modi said earlier decades in the Bodoland region were marked by violence and unrest, and alleged that the Congress had kept generations of people in the area in what he described as “false dreams”.

Referring to the current administration, he said the Bharatiya Janata Party-led government had worked to bring stability in the region. He cited the Bodo Peace Accord as an initiative aimed at bringing together various Bodo organisations and groups.

The Prime Minister also referred to development measures undertaken in the Bodoland region following the 2020 accord. These include a special development package of Rs 1,500 crore, the functioning of a medical college in Kokrajhar, and recognition of the Bodo language as an associate official language in Assam.

During the speech, Modi said Bodoland had experienced significant challenges in the past but was now moving towards peace and development. He also referred to the preservation of Bodo language and cultural traditions by the community.

The programme was held in connection with the launch and foundation of several infrastructure and development projects in the region.