Modi Predicts Hat-Trick for NDA in Assam as Mamata Slams BJP Over 'Looting' Public Funds

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday asserted that the BJP-led NDA is on course for a third straight victory in the Assam Assembly elections, even as Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee accused the saffron party of corruption and misleading voters ahead of the crucial polls in multiple states.

Assam Polls Heat Up With Sharp Attacks

Prime Minister Narendra Modi kicked off a vigorous campaign push in poll-bound Assam on Wednesday, addressing back-to-back public rallies in Dhemaji and Biswanath districts. Speaking at Gogamukh in Dhemaji, Modi expressed strong confidence that the NDA alliance would secure a hat-trick in the state, where Assembly elections are scheduled for April 9.

Without directly naming Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, the Prime Minister took a swipe at the opposition, referring to the “so-called prince” of the Congress heading for a “century of defeats”. He highlighted the massive crowds at the rallies as proof of public support that the Congress could never match.

Modi also visited a tea garden in Dibrugarh earlier in the day, interacting with women workers and describing the experience as memorable. He called tea gardens the pride of Assam and pledged continued support for workers.

Mamata Targets BJP in Bengal Rally

In West Bengal, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee launched a strong attack on the BJP during a public meeting in Birbhum. She reminded the audience that Bengal had played a key role in India’s freedom struggle at a time when the BJP did not even exist. Banerjee alleged that BJP leaders were “looting public money” and misleading people with false promises.

The TMC supremo stressed the need to defeat the BJP decisively so that it “never stands up again”. Her remarks came amid ongoing tensions over voter list revisions in the state, with the party continuing its protest near the Chief Electoral Officer’s office.

Priyanka Gandhi Accuses Assam Govt of Corruption

Meanwhile, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, campaigning in Dibrugarh and other parts of Assam, described the state government as running under “double slavery” and alleged rampant corruption, intimidation, and the existence of “mafia raj” and “syndrome raj”. She claimed people were tired of such governance and wanted a return to better days.

Development Pitch and Welfare Promises

In his addresses, Modi highlighted several achievements and future plans for Assam. He announced an ambitious ₹18,500 crore under-river tunnel project beneath the Brahmaputra to improve connectivity in the North East. The Prime Minister also promised pucca houses for the poor, with many to be registered in women’s names, along with better kitchens and toilets.

Modi pointed to progress in wildlife conservation, stating that after years of neglect, the BJP-NDA government had restored habitats and increased sightings of one-horned rhinos. He criticised previous Congress regimes for failing to protect the state’s natural resources and cultural icons like Bharat Ratna Bhupen Hazarika.

Other initiatives mentioned included the Lakhpati Didi scheme empowering women, increased assistance under the Arunodoi scheme, and plans for a semiconductor chip manufacturing facility that would position Assam as a hub for both “tea and chip” on the global map. Modi emphasised the “double engine” government’s focus on making Assam self-reliant while addressing long-standing issues of floods and erosion.

Election-Related Developments Across States

In West Bengal, protests erupted in Basirhat over the alleged deletion of 125 voter names from a booth. The Election Commission ordered the suspension of a Block Development Officer in Nadia district following reports of irregularities. The TMC has raised concerns about large-scale issues in Form-6 applications.

In Tamil Nadu, Chief Minister MK Stalin reaffirmed his commitment to his father M Karunanidhi’s ideals during a campaign event in Tiruchirappalli. He criticised both AIADMK and the BJP-led Centre.

The Election Commission has introduced a vote-from-home facility in Assam for elderly voters above 85 and persons with disabilities, with polling teams set to visit homes until April 5. Polling for all 126 seats in Assam is slated for April 9, with results expected on May 4.

Public Interest and Campaign Intensity

As campaigning intensifies across Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and other states, leaders from major parties are sharpening their attacks while outlining visions for development and governance. The coming days are likely to see further rallies, roadshows and policy announcements as parties seek to consolidate support.

Voters in Assam will decide the fate of the incumbent BJP-led government seeking a third term, while opposition parties aim to capitalise on issues of corruption, welfare and local concerns.

What Lies Ahead

With just over a week left for polling in Assam, the focus remains on voter turnout, last-minute alliances and the Election Commission’s efforts to ensure free and fair polls. The outcome in Assam is being closely watched as an early indicator for the broader Assembly elections in 2026.

In a poignant moment that underscored the intersection of governance and grassroots empathy, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced a financial grant of ₹10 lakh for a six-year-old rape survivor from Raisen district. Speaking at the ‘Samriddh Didi Se Samriddh Rashtra’ event in Delhi on the eve of Republic Day 2026, Chouhan delivered an emotional plea for a fundamental shift in how society views and protects its daughters.

"Even today, when we hear of such incidents, the soul cries," Chouhan said, his voice heavy with emotion. "There are still monsters among us who mistreat our daughters. While the law has caught the culprit, we must ask: what happens to the child’s future?"

A Secure Future for the Raisen Survivor

The Minister revealed that the ₹10 lakh has been deposited into a dedicated account for the young survivor. Under current financial growth projections, this amount is expected to mature to approximately ₹28 lakh by the time she reaches adulthood.

This gesture is part of a broader commitment to women empowerment, ensuring that victims of heinous crimes are not left to face economic hardship alongside their trauma. Chouhan emphasized that while financial aid provides a safety net, it is not a substitute for the systemic "social change" required to prevent such atrocities.

The Link Between Addiction and Violence

In a direct address to the root causes of crime, Chouhan linked the safety of women to the rising tide of substance abuse. He argued that social empowerment cannot be achieved through economic means alone; it requires a moral crusade against drugs and alcohol.

• De-addiction Campaigns: Chouhan called for mass movements to eliminate alcohol and drug abuse, citing them as primary catalysts for violence against women.

• Changing Perception: He urged citizens to move beyond temporary protests and work toward a permanent shift in social perception.

• Collective Responsibility: The Minister noted that "social empowerment" is the only shield strong enough to stop "monsters" from harming the innocent.

From ‘Lakhpati Didi’ to National Strength

Turning his focus to the 10 crore women currently involved in self-help groups (SHGs) across India, Chouhan hailed them as the "living, awakened goddesses" of the nation. He reiterated the government's ambitious Lakhpati Didi scheme target, aiming to elevate 3 crore women to an annual income of at least ₹1 lakh.

"The 'Lakhpati Didi' target is not just a government scheme; it is a mantra. These women are the embodiment of Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati, holding the power to transform the rural economy," Chouhan stated.

To further this mission, the Minister announced that the Aajivika Mission has evolved into a full-scale revolution. Upcoming reforms include:

• Easier Personal Loans: Streamlining the process for SHG members to access individual credit.

• Expanding Saras Melas: Moving beyond Delhi to organize regional fairs across India, providing rural women with direct market access for their products.

Conclusion: A Nation’s Moral Compass

The Minister’s dual focus on the Raisen tragedy and the triumph of self-help groups highlights a critical truth: economic progress is hollow without social safety. By securing the future of one daughter and empowering millions of others, the government aims to weave a tighter social fabric where "the soul no longer has to cry."