Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal recently delivered a powerful rebuttal to the Congress party. He firmly stated that the “grand old party has forfeited the right to criticise” the Modi government’s performance over the past 11 years. Sonowal emphasized the significant, transformative progress made under Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s leadership. He highlighted how the Congress, which neglected public aspirations for decades, now stands exposed. A new India rewards performance and punishes apathy, he explained.
From Neglect to Growth Engine: The Northeast Story
Sonowal strongly asserted, “Congress has lost all moral rights.” He recounted how Congress governments “destroyed the prospect of the Northeast” through misgovernance for over six decades. “The dark days of Congress governments were filled with violence, insurgency, terrorism,” he added. This tragically “dragged our beautiful region into a vortex of deprivation, devastation, discord, and division. Peace was a distant dream.”
However, a dramatic shift occurred under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Sonowal praised Modi’s “dynamic leadership” for taking “decisive steps to transform the region.” The Prime Minister respected local aspirations, found solutions, and ushered in “a new era of peace and brotherhood.” Consequently, the Northeast has become the “Growth Engine of new India.”
Modi Government’s Comprehensive Achievements
Addressing a press conference in Shillong, Minister Sonowal detailed the Modi government’s major achievements over 11 years. He explained how it delivered unprecedented welfare benefits to every section of society. This includes ‘Garib Kalyan’ (uplifting the poor), ‘Nari Shakti’ (empowering women), and ‘Krishak Kalyan’ (transforming agriculture). The government also empowered youth through skill-based training and employment opportunities via initiatives like Start Up India and Digital India campaigns.
Sonowal further highlighted concrete agricultural gains. Over 2.19 lakh farmers benefited from the Mission Organic Value Chain Development. Additionally, 434 Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) formed, covering 1.73 lakh hectares.
Welfare for All: Service and Good Governance
“Under the dynamic leadership of PM Narendra Modi ji,” Sonowal stated, “the Govt is working towards building Viksit Bharat during this Amrit Kala.” This vision focuses on ‘Seva, Sushasan and Garib Kalyan’ (Service, Good Governance and Welfare of the Poor). The results are clear: over 81 crore people now receive free rations under the PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana. More than 15 crore rural households have access to tap water under ‘Har Ghar Jal’. Furthermore, ₹3.7 lakh crore has been disbursed to farmers through PM-KISAN.
Women’s empowerment has also seen historic strides. This includes 33% reservation in legislatures under the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam. Direct benefit transfers for over 3.9 crore pregnant women and the historic admission of women into the National Defence Academy (NDA) demonstrate this commitment.
Unprecedented Investment in the Northeast
Since 2014, the Modi government has brought the Northeast into India’s mainstream development journey. This happened with unprecedented investment and focused attention. Sonowal highlighted significant progress: insurgency declined by 64% since 2014. Also, AFSPA has been withdrawn from 75% of the region. The government approved over 3,600 projects worth ₹44,859 crore. It built 10 greenfield airports and expanded connectivity. “Under PM Modi’s leadership,” Sonowal affirmed, “the Northeast is being repositioned not as a peripheral zone, but as India’s vital Gateway to the East.” Peace, progress, and prosperity are at its core, he concluded.
Meghalaya Shines: Tourism and Fiscal Boost
Meghalaya, in particular, shines under the Modi government’s focus. Union Minister Sonowal highlighted the immense possibilities of the region’s tourism sector. “Shillong is a beautiful city, Meghalaya is a gift of Mother Earth,” he remarked. He stressed the need for “sustainable development through harnessing the immense possibilities in the tourism sector.” Meghalaya has become a destination of choice for many tourists.
The state is a “shining example of success of schemes like Swadesh Darshan.” The Modi government sanctioned ₹244 crore to boost Sustainable Tourism. This transformed iconic destinations like Umium Lake, Sohpetbneng, and Krang Suri Falls into world-class tourist attractions. This focus on sustainable tourism revitalized local economies and created livelihood opportunities.
Regarding fiscal aid, Sonowal noted Meghalaya’s substantial scale-up in infrastructure and social welfare. This is backed by a 105% increase in central grants-in-aid. Its Tax Revenue also saw a sixfold jump. Landmark initiatives include the ₹22,864 crore Greenfield High-Speed Corridor between Mawlyngkhung & Panchgram, which will drastically improve regional connectivity. Over 540 km of National Highways have also been constructed.
Bridging Decades of Neglect: Healthcare and Future Investments
The government’s commitment extends to healthcare. The establishment of South Asia’s largest cancer care network in Assam reflects a dedication to bridging decades of neglect. This comes as the Modi government invested ₹64,180 crore to reverse 60 years of Congress neglect in healthcare nationwide.
The recently held Rising North East Investors Summit 2025 further reinforced this vision. It secured ₹4.3 lakh crore in investment commitments. These promises will unlock the region’s economic potential and generate widespread employment.
“For decades under successive Congress Govts, the Northeast remained on the margins,” Sonowal concluded. “But under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the region realised its true potential.” It has become a center of development, connectivity, and opportunity. The scale of investment and transformation reflects a deep commitment to the people of the Northeast. The region’s journey from neglect to a vibrant hub clearly demonstrates a new era of governance.