New Delhi [India], March 8 (HBTV): Union Minister Kiren Rijiju criticised the Congress on Friday, stating that what the party failed to accomplish in 65 years, the BJP has achieved within a decade.

Speaking at the India Today Conclave, Rijiju said the BJP has flourished in the Northeast over the past decade because people are 'attracted to what Prime Minister Narendra Modi has to offer for the future of the region.'

Taking a swipe at the Congress, Rijiju asserted that the BJP has done in 10 years what the Congress could not achieve in 65. He also stated that regional parties trust Prime Minister Modi’s leadership.

Discussing the North-East Democratic Alliance (NEDA) with India Today TV Consulting Editor Rajdeep Sardesai, Rijiju said the BJP does not dominate regional parties but provides them space to grow.

'When I got elected as a Member of Parliament, there were no BJP MLAs in the Northeast, except for a few in Assam. They trust Prime Minister Modi’s leadership. That is how politics in the Northeast revolves around Modi and the BJP-led NEDA. This alliance allows us to take the lead, but we do not seek to dismantle the ideologies of regional parties,' Rijiju said.

'Regional parties do not feel under pressure or threatened that we will absorb them. It is a working system where the BJP leads because we are in power at the Centre, and Prime Minister Modi is the leader, but regional parties are comfortable with the BJP,' he added.

Rijiju criticised the Congress for failing the region, stating that significant improvements in connectivity have been observed in the last decade.

Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) leader Prem Singh Tamang, who secured 31 of 32 Assembly seats in the 2024 elections, also spoke at the conclave. He assured that the relationship between Sikkim and the NDA-led Centre remains strong.

Addressing the conclave, Tamang said, 'I am the BJP’s brother. They (the BJP) are my big brother.'

He praised Prime Minister Modi’s leadership and highlighted infrastructure developments in the state since Modi took office.

'Before 2014, the Northeast was a political platform. Now, it is a developmental platform,' he said.

Tamang announced plans for an alternative road to NH10 to improve state connectivity. He also mentioned a rail project that would connect Sikkim directly to major cities, eliminating the need for a stopover in Assam, which is expected to be completed by 2027.

'Since Modi has been in power, connectivity in Sikkim has greatly improved,' Tamang stated, noting that the state received its first airport under Modi’s tenure.

However, he acknowledged that tourism has led to deforestation and assured that his government is working to preserve the state’s forest cover.

Rijiju, meanwhile, emphasised that development is not solely the government’s responsibility.

'We often assume that everything must be done by the government. The government is a catalyst, a responsible stakeholder, but the people must also be aware of their responsibilities. If they are, all issues can be resolved,' Rijiju said.

He praised Tamang’s efforts to combat deforestation and preserve greenery. Comparing Sikkim with Arunachal Pradesh, he said that despite having a larger forest cover, Arunachal Pradesh has seen its resources degrade due to misuse.

Addressing the ongoing Manipur violence, Rijiju called it an 'unfortunate incident' and stressed that PM Modi is actively working towards restoring peace in the state.

'This is the first Prime Minister who has taken direct action to ensure that Manipur’s problems are resolved for the long term,' Rijiju said.

He recalled that during past instances of ethnic violence in Manipur, the response from ministers was limited, and the Home Minister did not even visit the state.

'Home Minister Amit Shah went to Manipur and stayed for four days, urging warring factions to surrender their arms. Without dialogue, peace cannot be achieved. Now, under presidential rule, the Governor has made a similar appeal, and arms are being surrendered. Positive news is emerging from Manipur,' Rijiju said.

He cautioned against misrepresenting the situation, stating, 'This is not a fight between the people and the state. The Indian government cannot use force to establish peace; we must appeal for reconciliation. In the past, conflicts were against the Indian state. But with Prime Minister Modi’s hands-on approach and Home Minister Amit Shah’s leadership, along with support from all factions, we will restore peace and normalcy in Manipur.' (ANI)