Modi Hits Out at Congress Over “Abuses”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday launched a sharp counterattack against the Congress, accusing it of indulging in abusive politics and disrespecting his late mother. Addressing a public gathering in Assam’s Darang after inaugurating multiple development projects, the Prime Minister said he would not be deterred by insults. Instead, drawing on his religious faith, he declared himself a devotee of Lord Shiva who is ready to “swallow the poison” of verbal attacks.
The remarks came amid a heated row triggered by alleged abuses hurled from a Congress-RJD platform during campaigning in poll-bound Bihar. Modi said his pain was not personal but something he shared with the people, whom he described as his “masters” and “remote control.”
“The People Are My God”
In his address, Modi dismissed criticism that he was overly emotional when responding to political attacks. “The people are my God; if I don’t express my pain before them, where else can I do it? They are my deities, my masters, my remote control. I have no other remote control,” he said.
The “remote control” metaphor carried added significance, as Modi has frequently accused the Congress of being controlled by the Gandhi family. He has alleged that both former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and current Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge operate under the Gandhis’ command.
The time for Northeast and #Assam has arrived. Your time has come, time is in grasp of the youth
For rapid development in any region, fast connectivity is absolutely essential, that's why our government has maintained a very strong focus on connectivity in the #Northeast.… pic.twitter.com/T4xFRAGMkq
— PIB India (@PIB_India) September 14, 2025
Row Over Bhupen Hazarika Remark
The Prime Minister also targeted Kharge, recalling a 2019 controversy. After the government awarded the Bharat Ratna to Assamese music legend Bhupen Hazarika, Kharge had allegedly belittled the honour by calling it recognition for “singers and dancers.” Modi said Assam’s pride had been insulted by Congress’s attitude.
Kharge later clarified his remark, acknowledging Hazarika’s extraordinary talent in music, cinema, and literature. Still, Modi argued that the episode reflected Congress’s disregard for the sentiments of Assam and the Northeast.
Linking Congress to Pakistan Narrative
Shifting focus to national security, Modi said Congress failed to act against terror during its years in power. In contrast, he claimed, the current government has empowered the armed forces to strike decisively. Referring to “Operation Sindoor,” he alleged that while India fights to root out terrorism in Pakistan, Congress echoes Islamabad’s propaganda. “The lies of Pakistan become the Congress’s agenda,” Modi charged.
Infiltration and Vote Bank Politics
Raising the issue of illegal infiltration, a long-standing concern in Assam, Modi accused Congress of prioritising “vote bank politics” over national interest. He said the party not only encouraged infiltration when in power but continues to protect infiltrators today, seeking to let them settle permanently and even decide India’s future. “Congress has become the protector of anti-nationals and infiltrators,” he alleged.
Development in Assam: A Contrast in Governance
The Prime Minister underlined his government’s development record in Assam to contrast with what he described as Congress’s neglect. “For decades, Congress governed Assam, yet it built only three bridges across the Brahmaputra in 60 to 65 years. In just one decade, we have constructed six new bridges. Naturally, the people see the difference and bless us with their support,” he said.
Modi also invoked Jawaharlal Nehru, noting that India’s first Prime Minister had admitted that the wounds of the 1962 war with China still troubled the Northeast. “The current generation of Congress is sprinkling salt on those wounds,” he added.
Political Stakes in Poll Season
The speech comes at a politically sensitive time, with Bihar headed for elections and Assam remaining crucial to BJP’s eastern stronghold. By combining religious symbolism, national security concerns, and development achievements, Modi sought to rally support while framing Congress as both disrespectful and dangerous to India’s interests.
While the Congress has maintained that its senior leaders were not involved in the Bihar remarks and dismissed allegations of anti-national sympathies, the ruling party has signalled it will continue to hammer the issue as a central plank of its campaign narrative.
Conclusion
By invoking Lord Shiva, drawing attention to personal abuse, and contrasting governance records, Prime Minister Modi sharpened his attack on the Congress. His words, carefully mixing faith, emotion, and policy, were aimed at resonating deeply with voters in Assam and beyond. As election season heats up, the rhetoric is likely to intensify, with both sides digging in for a bruising political battle.
