Guwahati, Jan 18: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on January 18 launched a scathing political attack on Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi, asserting that the state would not submit to what he described as “Pakistani agents,” while addressing a public gathering during the inauguration programme of the Kaziranga Elevated Corridor project in Nagaon district. The remarks were made in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and came amid political reactions to the ambitious infrastructure initiative.
Sarma said Assam had undergone a profound transformation in recent years and that its people would no longer surrender to “unknown people.” Referring indirectly to opposition voices that have questioned the project, the Chief Minister said the state had entered a new phase marked by confidence, self-respect and decisive leadership. He also thanked the Prime Minister for flagging off three new train services to Assam within a span of two days, calling it a reflection of the Centre’s commitment to the state.
Highlighting Assam’s cultural resurgence, Sarma said the performance of around 10,000 artists showcasing the traditional Bagurumba dance in front of the Prime Minister symbolised renewed pride in the state’s heritage. He further claimed that rhino poaching incidents in Kaziranga had been brought to an end, crediting stronger conservation measures and improved protection mechanisms.
The Chief Minister said the Kaziranga Elevated Corridor, being built at a cost of nearly Rs 7,000 crore, would significantly ease travel by reducing journey time by close to an hour once completed, while also ensuring safe passage for wildlife. He described the project as an example of development that balances infrastructure growth with environmental responsibility.
Looking ahead to the 2026 Assam Assembly elections, Sarma expressed confidence that the BJP would return to power. He said several major projects that were once considered improbable, including multiple bridges over the Brahmaputra, an underwater tunnel and the Kaziranga Elevated Corridor, had now become reality. He termed a future electoral victory for the BJP as a “gift” to Prime Minister Modi.
Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister laid the foundation stone of the Kaziranga Elevated Corridor Project, which involves the four-laning of the Kaliabor–Numaligarh stretch of National Highway-715 in Nagaon district. Valued at over Rs 6,950 crore, the project aims to enhance connectivity while protecting the biodiversity of Kaziranga National Park. Modi also flagged off two Amrit Bharat Express trains connecting Guwahati to Rohtak and Dibrugarh to Lucknow.
The 86-km-long corridor is designed as an environmentally sensitive highway, featuring a 35-km elevated wildlife passage through Kaziranga National Park, a 21-km bypass and the widening of 30 km of NH-715 from two to four lanes. Passing through Nagaon, Karbi Anglong and Golaghat districts, the project is expected to improve access to Upper Assam, including Dibrugarh and Tinsukia, while reducing human-animal conflict, improving road safety and supporting growing passenger and freight movement in the region.
