PM Modi wants swift action on stalled Northeast, says Sonowal

DIMAPUR — Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has issued a clear directive to all central ministers to expedite the implementation of long-delayed projects in the Northeast region (NER).

Speaking at an ‘extended state executive meeting’ of BJP Nagaland in Dimapur on Tuesday, Sonowal emphasised the PM’s commitment to the region’s growth, highlighting its rich resources and the need to translate them into development.

He said that Modi has directed all ministers to visit the region, review stalled projects in consultation with stakeholders, and unsure swift and effective implementation.

Furthermore, he said that the government’s significant investment in improving connectivity has not only made the region visible within the country, but also attracted global investors from various sectors.

Sonowal went on to state that the region was once plagued by violence and instability, but with the “practical, adequate and appropriate” initiatives taken up Modi and home Minister Amit Shah, there is peace and tranquillity in the region.

NER growing at a faster rate

Anil K Antony, national secretary of BJP and in-charge of Nagaland and Meghalaya states, said that the NER is growing at a faster rate than the rest of the country, and that the people of the region have displayed full trust in Modi’s leadership.

In the coming years, we will keep strengthening the party to reach the prime minister’s vision to turn India into a fully developed country, he said.

Deputy Chief Minister of Nagaland, Yanthungo Patton, lauded union minister Sonowal for his dedication to the development of the Northeast, saying that the progress seen in the region is a reflection of the hard work and dedication of party members at every level.

He also said that the BJP Nagaland has grown from strength to strength, and “as we look forward, our focus remains on the development and progress of Nagaland. The welfare of our farmers, youth and women should remain at the forefront of our agenda”.

By ensuring that every citizen of Nagaland has access to opportunities and resources, we can build a state that is not only self-reliant but also a model for others to follow, he added.

Meanwhile, state BJP president and co-chairman of People’s Democratic Alliance (PDA), Benjamin Yepthomi, highlighted the party’s success in the recent urban local body (ULB) elections where it secured 25 seats.

He said that with increased focus from the central government, the Nagaland BJP has a significant responsibility to deliver on its promises to the people. He also urged party members to renew their commitment to serving the people and upholding the party’s ideals.

“To elevate our party to unprecedented heights, it is imperative that we work in line with our party’s vision and purpose. It is our collective dream that one day, the fruits of our labour will pay off and we will see 60 Bharatiya Janata Party MLAs in the Nagaland Legislative Assembly,” he said.