PM Modi Slams Congress for Backing Infiltrators in Barpeta Rally

Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused the Congress of openly supporting infiltrators while addressing a large public gathering in Assam’s Barpeta on Monday. The sharp attack formed the centrepiece of the BJP’s election campaign ahead of the April 9 Assembly polls.

PM Modi Barpeta Address Sparks Row

The Prime Minister told the crowd that the Congress was not only shielding illegal migrants but also planning legislation that could punish anyone merely uttering the word “infiltrator”. “Congress is openly supporting the infiltrators,” Modi declared. He added that the party was “opposing action against illegal occupation” and pushing a law in Assam that would “jail even those who utter the word infiltrator”.

Congress Accused of Aiding Infiltrators

Modi’s remarks came as the BJP steps up efforts to retain power in the state. He asked the audience directly: “Should the infiltrators be sent back or not?” The question drew loud cheers from the gathering. The Prime Minister also criticised the Congress for its stand during Operation Sindoor, claiming the party “sang the song written, composed and loved by Pakistan” even as Indian forces acted decisively.

Illegal Occupation Row Intensifies

The infiltration debate has dominated Assam’s political discourse for weeks. Senior BJP leaders, including Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, have repeatedly accused Congress functionaries of sourcing material from Pakistani social media handles to target his family. Sarma alleged that Pakistan has shown unusual interest in the Assam polls, citing 11 talk shows on Pakistani channels in the past ten days that favoured the Congress.

Proposed Law on ‘Infiltrator’ Term

Modi warned that the Congress’s alleged plan to criminalise the use of the word “infiltrator” reflected a dangerous softness on border security. He contrasted this with the BJP’s long-term vision for development and said the Congress only worked in short cycles to enable corruption. The Prime Minister also touched upon the Women’s Reservation Bill, announcing that a special Parliament session would begin on April 16 after consultations with all parties.

Operation Sindoor Criticism Raised

In the same address, Modi recalled the swift success of Operation Sindoor and accused the Congress of undermining national resolve. He asserted that the people of Assam had already made up their mind on two counts — development under the BJP and a hat-trick for the BJP-NDA government.

BJP Eyes Hat-Trick in Assam

State BJP leaders echoed the confidence. Minister and candidate Ashok Singhal claimed the NDA was on course to win around 95 seats, with special focus on tea garden workers. The Prime Minister is scheduled to address two more rallies later in the day at Hojai and Dibrugarh to bolster party candidates.

Meanwhile, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi held a separate rally in Puducherry, criticising the BJP on different fronts, including alleged remote control of the Union Territory and plans involving the Karaikal Port. The contrasting campaigns underlined the high-stakes nature of the current political season across multiple states.

The Barpeta rally has once again brought the sensitive issue of infiltration to the forefront of the Assam election narrative. With polling just days away, both sides are sharpening their attack lines on border security and governance. Political observers expect the infiltration debate to shape voter sentiment in lower and central Assam in the final stretch.

PM Modi Barpeta address has added fresh momentum to the BJP’s campaign even as the Congress continues its counter-offensive on other issues. The coming days will show how these competing narratives play out on the ground.

The first day of the Parliament Budget Session 2026 commenced with a high-voltage address by President Droupadi Murmu, setting a defiant and ambitious tone for the year ahead. Speaking to a joint sitting of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, the President lauded the historic success of Operation Sindoor and outlined a roadmap for a "Viksit Bharat" (Developed India), even as the opposition benches erupted in protest over new rural labor reforms.

A Decisive Stand on National Security: Operation Sindoor

A major highlight of the President’s address was the mention of Operation Sindoor, the high-precision military strike conducted in May 2025 against terror infrastructure. Murmu emphasized that the operation showcased India's military valour and sent a "strong and decisive" message to global terror networks.

"With its own resources, our country destroyed terror hotbeds. My Government gave a strong message that the response to all attacks on India will be resolute," President Murmu stated, drawing loud cheers from the treasury benches.

She further confirmed that the Indus Water Treaty remains in abeyance as part of the ongoing fight against terrorism, and introduced Mission Sudarshan Chakra, a new initiative aimed at further fortifying India’s security systems.

The VB-G RAM G Controversy: Replacing MGNREGA

While the President spoke of progress, the chamber witnessed significant chaos when she mentioned the VB-G RAM G Act (Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission Gramin). This new law, which replaces the long-standing MGNREGA, has become a massive political flashpoint.

Key features of the VB-G RAM G Act mentioned include:

• Increased Employment: Guarantees 125 days of work, up from 100 days under the old system.

• Transparency: Integration of AI-based fraud detection and GPS monitoring.

• Seasonal Pause: A 60-day work pause during peak agricultural seasons to support local farm labor demand.

Opposition MPs raised slogans of "Vapas lo" (Take it back), arguing that the law dilutes the rights-based framework of the original MGNREGA.

Economic Milestones and Future Tech

Despite the disruptions, the President highlighted several economic victories that will define the Parliament Budget Session 2026:

• Defense Exports: Crossed a record ₹23,000 crore.

• Mobile Manufacturing: India is now the world’s second-largest mobile manufacturer.

• AI Revolution: One million youth are currently being trained in Artificial Intelligence.

• Space Aspirations: Following Subhanshu Shukla’s ISS achievement, India is moving toward building its own space station.

Conclusion: A Session of High Stakes

The first day concluded with both houses being adjourned until January 29. With Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman set to present the Union Budget on February 1—notably a Sunday—all eyes are on how the government will navigate 50% Trump tariffs and a volatile global economy.

As the Parliament Budget Session 2026 progresses, the clash between the government’s "Reform Express" and the opposition’s demands for social safeguards is expected to intensify.