Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a sharp attack on the Congress during his Assam visit. He recalled the role of Assam’s first chief minister, Gopinath Bordoloi. Modi said Bordoloi protected Assam’s identity during India’s independence struggle.
Addressing a public gathering, Modi claimed some Congress leaders weakened Assam’s position before independence. He alleged that British rulers and the Muslim League planned to include Assam in East Pakistan. According to Modi, Congress leaders were close to accepting that arrangement.
Modi said Bordoloi firmly opposed his own party to safeguard Assam’s unity. He described Bordoloi as courageous and visionary. The Prime Minister said such leaders inspire modern India.
Modi referred to the 1946 Cabinet Mission Plan. The British sent three ministers to manage power transfer and avoid partition. The plan proposed grouping provinces under a weak central government. Assam was grouped with Bengal, which alarmed local leaders.
Assam feared loss of cultural and political identity. Strong protests followed across the state. Mahatma Gandhi supported Assam’s stand and opposed forced grouping. Jawaharlal Nehru later clarified provinces could leave groups voluntarily.
With Gandhi’s backing, Bordoloi rejected the plan. His resistance ensured Assam remained part of India.
