Will put special focus on development in Northeast: BJP

Sitharaman said "Modi has placed primacy for the region's territorial integrity and security of the people."

Keeping an eye on the first phase polls in the Northeast, the Bharatiya Janata Party on Thursday promised to execute the 28-point programme finalised by Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee government for the overall development of all eight states in the region.

The nine-phase elections will begin with polling scheduled in Northeast on April 7.

Blaming the UPA government for the “non-development” of Northeast, BJP spokesperson Nirmala Sitharaman said “no one knows what happened to trans-Arunachal highway, Majoli project or Silchar-Imphal rail line that were promised for the region.”

Story continues below this ad

Taking on Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, she said “PM, who is representing Assam, had reviewed Assam accord in 2005. But till date nothing has been done.”

Recalling BJP Prime Ministerial candidate Narendra Modi’s statement on border issue, she said “Modiji has placed primacy for the region’s territorial integrity and security of the people.”

Referring to Department of Development of North-East Region (DONEAR), she said “BJP-led NDA has set up the separate department in 2001 to cater to the needs of NE states but UPA government diluted the DONEAR.”

She said BJP, once elected to power, would lay special emphasis on development of the entire region.

As GST 2.0 kicks in: what changes for consumers and industry

Explained2 hr ago

The government has introduced significant changes to the GST structure, aiming to lower tax rates for various goods and services. This includes exemptions for Indian bread and health insurance, reduced taxes for beauty and well-being services, and addressing the inverted duty structure. The changes, effective immediately, are expected to boost household spending and encourage investments.

View all shorts

Live Blog