"PM Modi fulfilled Dr Ambedkar ji's vision by strengthening Panchayati Raj system": Sarbananda Sonowal

Guwahati (Assam) [India], May 3 (ANI): Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal on Saturday campaigned for NDA candidates at Rongamati near Bijoynagar and at Salkocha in Bilasipara and emphasised the transformative vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for rural empowerment and the development of Panchayati Raj institutions.
He asserted that the BJP-led government has brought about a change that Congress had failed to achieve in over six decades.
"The people of India, particularly in rural areas, were deprived for generations of basic necessities like a home, food, and dignity under the Congress rule of almost six decades. Congress's lack of intent is the biggest corruption, leading to the prolonged suffering of millions and pushing our country backwards," Sonowal said.
Highlighting the significant strides made in the last decade under Prime Minister Modi, Sonowal praised the BJP for delivering on its promises and ensuring that the benefits of government welfare programs reached the ground.

"Through schemes like Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, Ujjwala Yojana, and Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, millions of people, especially in rural India, now live with dignity and access to essential services. Jan Dhan Yojana has been a masterstroke by Modi ji as it eradicated the Congress-crafted system of middleman corruption and transferred the benefit directly into the bank account of the beneficiary. This is how the Modi ji-led NDA government delivered a decisive blow to the corruption model of Congress, ensuring transparency and accountability across all levels of governance," Sonowal said.

Senior BJP leader Sonowal also expressed his admiration for the vision of Babasaheb Dr BR Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian Constitution, whose ideals of social justice and empowerment continue to guide India's progress.
"Prime Minister Modi ji has fulfilled Bharat Ratna Dr Ambedkar ji's vision by strengthening the Panchayati Raj system, empowering local communities, and ensuring that rural India has a seat at the table of development," Sonowal added.
Referring to the BJP's commitment to empowering Nari Shakti and Yuva Shakti, Sonowal emphasised the significant role of Panchayati Raj institutions in fostering inclusive governance.
"Women's participation in Panchayats has been revolutionised, with a remarkable increase in their leadership roles, paving the way for a more inclusive and representative democracy. The vision of Modi Ji has made India's villages the centre of growth, progress, and dignity," Sarbananda Sonowal said.
Sonowal highlighted the rise of India's role on the global stage under Prime Minister Modi's leadership.
"India is now the world's fifth-largest economy, marking a decade of economic growth under Modi Ji's governance. Modiji's swift, transparent, and efficient decision-making has reshaped India's economic outlook, correcting historic wrongs while ensuring that public welfare remains the focus of governance. Through policy interventions, India has empowered its systems and ensured that corruption is tackled efficiently with transparency in the system of governance," Sonowal added.
Addressing huge gatherings at both the meetings, Sonowal urged the people of Assam to stand with the BJP for continued progress, prosperity, and social justice.
"The BJP is committed to taking Assam and India towards a brighter future, and with your support, we will make this vision a reality," he said.
The senior BJP leader was joined by Ranjeet Kumar Dass, Minister in the Govt of Assam, Hemanga Thakuria, MLA (Palashbari), Devajit Barkalita, District President, BJP Bilasipara; Amarendra Nath, District President, AGP Bilasipara, Jibesh Roy, CEM, Kamalapur Autonomous Council (KAC), Dr Ashok Kumar Singhi, ex MLA (Bilasipara), Pranab Kalita, ex MLA, Anjan Goswami, BJP District President (South Kamrup) among other prominent leaders of the alliance.
The voting for the first phase of the panchayat polls was held on May 2 in 14 districts of the state: Sonitpur, Biswanath, Dhemaji, Lakhimpur, Tinsukia, Dibrugarh, Sivasagar, Charaideo, Jorhat, Majuli, Golaghat, Cachar, Hailakandi, and Sribhumi.
The second phase of the polls will be held on May 7 in the remaining 13 districts, and the counting of votes will take place on May 11. (ANI)