The political climate in Assam intensified on Wednesday, October 29, as the state unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accused the Congress of plotting to sabotage the state’s upcoming semiconductor manufacturing project in Jagiroad.
The BJP alleged that if the Congress came to power in the next elections, it would “shut down” the semiconductor project, jeopardizing thousands of potential jobs and derailing Assam’s dream of becoming a key player in India’s tech manufacturing ecosystem.
Senior BJP leaders described the opposition’s alleged move as “anti-Assam” and “anti-youth,” claiming that such a decision would undo years of progress made under the current government.
The Jagiroad Semiconductor Project: A Game-Changer for Assam
The semiconductor project at Jagiroad in Morigaon district is one of Assam’s most ambitious industrial ventures under the Digital India and Make in India initiatives. The facility, once operational, is expected to attract global investments and create over 5,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities.
BJP leaders emphasized that the project is not merely an industrial milestone but a symbol of Assam’s transformation into a hub for advanced technology manufacturing.
They claimed that under the leadership of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, the state has witnessed rapid infrastructural development to support high-tech industries. The BJP argued that any attempt by the Congress to block or discontinue this project would harm Assam’s economic momentum and investor confidence.
Political War of Words Intensifies
Responding to reports of internal Congress discussions allegedly opposing the project, BJP spokespersons launched a sharp verbal attack, accusing the party of being “jealous of Assam’s progress.”
According to the BJP, the Congress has always “neglected Assam’s industrial growth” and preferred populist politics over long-term economic planning. “If they return to power, they will reverse everything the BJP has built,” a senior party member stated during a press briefing in Guwahati.
The BJP further accused Congress leaders of misleading the public by spreading misinformation about the environmental and financial aspects of the Jagiroad project. Party members insisted that all necessary clearances have been obtained and that the project adheres to global environmental standards.
Congress Yet to Respond Officially
As of Wednesday evening, the Assam Congress leadership had not issued an official statement in response to the BJP’s allegations. However, insiders from the opposition camp reportedly dismissed the accusations as a “desperate election stunt” by the ruling party.
Congress members argue that the BJP is using the semiconductor project as a political tool to divert attention from unemployment and inflation. They assert that any project must ensure local participation, environmental sustainability, and transparency in investment—standards they claim the BJP government has failed to maintain.
The absence of a clear rebuttal has, however, given BJP an opportunity to strengthen its narrative that Congress intends to halt Assam’s industrial growth.
Public Sentiment and Economic Stakes
The semiconductor project has gained wide public attention since its announcement earlier this year. Locals in Jagiroad and neighboring districts see it as a major source of employment and regional development.
Economic analysts believe that the project could place Assam on India’s semiconductor map alongside Gujarat and Tamil Nadu, where similar facilities are being developed. If the Congress were to discontinue it, experts warn, Assam could lose a historic opportunity to diversify its economy beyond tea, oil, and natural gas.
The BJP has also been promoting the project as a symbol of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision to make India self-reliant in chip manufacturing a strategic move amid global semiconductor shortages.
Himanta Biswa Sarma Defends Development Vision
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, reacting to the controversy, reaffirmed his government’s commitment to seeing the Jagiroad project through. He accused the Congress of lacking vision and determination to promote industrialization in the Northeast.
“Assam is finally being recognized as an emerging technology hub,” Sarma stated during a public address. “But some parties want to drag us backward. We will not let that happen. This project belongs to the people of Assam, not to any political party.”
He added that the state government will ensure the project’s timely completion, with the first phase expected to begin operations by 2026.
Development vs. Political Rhetoric
The BJP’s allegations have set the stage for another major political showdown in the lead-up to the 2026 Assembly elections. The debate over the Jagiroad semiconductor project highlights the broader ideological divide between the two parties—development-focused governance versus welfare-driven populism.
While the BJP continues to emphasize its record in infrastructure and industry, the Congress has been rallying support around social equity and employment concerns.
Observers believe the semiconductor project controversy could significantly influence Assam’s urban and youth voters, who see technological progress as key to future growth.
Call for Transparency and Accountability
Political analysts suggest that the controversy underscores the need for greater transparency in major state projects. Citizens have demanded clear information on project funding, local job allocation, and environmental safeguards.
Amid rising political tensions, one thing remains clear Assam’s semiconductor dream has become a battleground for competing visions of progress. Whether it survives the political storm will depend on how both parties engage with the public in the coming months.
