Biswanath (Assam) [India], April 1 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday launched a huge attack aimed at the Congress, accusing the party of being 'the root cause' of corruption in Independent India.

Speaking at a public rally in Biswanath, the Prime Minister accused Congress of playing with Assam's identity, pride, and security, adding that it compromised with Assamese identity for the sake of power.

'The entire country knows that Congress is anti-development and has been the root of corruption in independent India. In Assam, Congress committed acts that the people are well aware of. Congress has played with Assam's identity, pride, and security. Since independence, it compromised Assamese identity for the sake of power and repeatedly neglected Assam's interests. One of its biggest wrongdoings has been integrating illegal infiltrators into the mainstream,' said PM Modi.

Intensifying his attack on the grand old party, the Prime Minister stated that the current government is using Assam's strength for its development, which the previous Congress regime didn't.

'One of the major goals of the BJP-NDA government is to make Assam self-reliant. This work should have started decades ago, but Congress did not do justice to Assam's potential. Today, our government is using Assam's strengths for its development,' said PM Modi.

Highlighting Assam's growth in petroleum and petrochemical sector, PM Modi stated that production of petrol, diesel and crude oil has increased in the state, while reflecting to the current oil and gas shortage across world due to West Asia conflict, he noted that the state has emerged as a strength to the country.

'Take the petroleum sector, for example. In the past decade, we have significantly transformed petroleum and petrochemical industries. I am proud to say that Assam is now setting new records in crude oil production. The production of petrol, diesel, and gas has increased substantially. At a time when the world is facing an oil and gas crisis, Assam is giving great strength to India,' said the Prime Minister.

The polling for all 126 Assembly constituencies will be held in a single phase on April 9, while the counting of votes is scheduled for May 4. Assam will witness a fight between the incumbent BJP-led NDA government and Congress for the 126-seat assembly.

The BJP is contesting the elections with Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and Bodoland People's Front (BPF).

The NDA will look to secure a third consecutive term, while the Congress aims to defeat the ruling party to return to power. (ANI)