The Chief Minister made the remarks after returning from the swearing-in ceremony of the new BJP-led NDA government in Assam. Speaking to reporters, Saha said the Northeast has experienced significant transformation after 2014 due to the Centre’s stronger focus on infrastructure, connectivity, and regional growth.
He also criticised previous Congress-led governments and accused them of neglecting the region for decades. According to Saha, the Northeast remained disconnected from mainstream development before the BJP government came to power at the Centre.
The Tripura Chief Minister highlighted the importance of initiatives such as the Act East Policy and the strengthening of the Ministry for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER).
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Manik Saha Praises PM Modi’s Focus on Northeast
Chief Minister Manik Saha said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has changed the approach toward the Northeast by giving the region greater importance in national development policies.
According to Saha, northeastern states now receive focused attention regarding infrastructure projects, road connectivity, rail expansion, healthcare, tourism, and economic growth.
He stated that coordinated development among northeastern states has improved significantly under the present central government. The Chief Minister added that frequent visits by Union ministers and central support for development projects have strengthened the region’s integration with the rest of the country.
Saha also noted that the Prime Minister consistently emphasises inclusive growth and balanced regional development. According to him, this approach has increased public confidence and accelerated progress in several sectors.
The Chief Minister further said the Northeast now enjoys greater visibility at the national level compared to earlier years.
Congress Governments Accused of Neglecting Region
During the interaction with reporters, Manik Saha accused previous Congress-led governments of failing to prioritise the Northeast for many years.
According to Saha, earlier administrations treated the region as politically and economically isolated. He claimed that development projects moved slowly and connectivity remained weak during those years.
The Chief Minister argued that many northeastern states lacked adequate infrastructure, investment opportunities, and policy attention before 2014.
He also claimed that the Centre’s engagement with the Northeast increased substantially after the BJP government assumed office. Saha said the region now receives greater support for road networks, airports, railway expansion, and border infrastructure.
Political observers believe criticism of previous governments remains a common theme in BJP leaders’ speeches regarding development in the Northeast.
At the same time, opposition parties have often argued that development efforts in the region began long before 2014 and continued under multiple governments.
Act East Policy Boosted Regional Connectivity
Chief Minister Manik Saha highlighted the role of the Act East Policy in transforming the Northeast.
The policy focuses on improving connectivity, trade, and strategic cooperation between India and Southeast Asian countries through the northeastern region.
According to Saha, the initiative has strengthened infrastructure development and increased economic opportunities for states like Tripura, Assam, Meghalaya, and others.
The Chief Minister said better roads, railways, and air connectivity have improved communication and transportation across the region. He also pointed to growing trade prospects with neighbouring countries.
Officials believe the Northeast can become a major gateway for India’s economic engagement with Southeast Asia.
The Act East Policy has also encouraged investment in logistics, border trade infrastructure, tourism, and industrial development in the region.
Saha stated that such initiatives have helped create new opportunities for businesses and young people in northeastern states.
DoNER Ministry Strengthened Development Efforts
The Tripura Chief Minister also praised the role of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region in supporting regional growth.
According to him, the strengthening of the ministry after 2014 improved coordination between northeastern states and the central government.
Saha said the ministry has supported several important projects related to infrastructure, education, healthcare, tourism, and rural development.
He added that the Centre’s development strategy now focuses on long-term planning and balanced progress for all northeastern states.
Officials believe stronger institutional coordination has helped accelerate implementation of projects in remote and border areas.
The Chief Minister also said the region has witnessed improved investment and better public services because of increased central support.
Northeast Witnessing Infrastructure Expansion
Chief Minister Manik Saha said infrastructure development in the Northeast has expanded rapidly over the past decade.
He pointed to improvements in highways, railway lines, airports, internet connectivity, and power supply across the region.
According to Saha, better infrastructure has reduced travel difficulties and improved access to healthcare, education, and markets.
The Chief Minister also stated that tourism has grown due to improved connectivity and promotional efforts. Several northeastern states are now attracting more domestic and international visitors.
He further noted that stronger infrastructure can boost employment generation and economic activity in the region.
Political analysts believe infrastructure development has become one of the BJP’s key political narratives in the Northeast.
Regional Cooperation Increasing Among States
The Tripura Chief Minister said northeastern states are now working more closely together on development and governance issues.
According to Saha, cooperation among states has improved in areas such as tourism promotion, trade, transportation, disaster management, and cultural exchange.
He stated that regional unity and coordinated planning are essential for addressing common challenges faced by northeastern states.
Saha also praised the role of the North Eastern Council in encouraging collaboration among state governments.
Officials believe joint initiatives can help improve resource management and accelerate economic development in the region.
The Chief Minister added that the Northeast possesses enormous potential in sectors such as tourism, agriculture, handicrafts, sports, and information technology.
Government Promises Continued Focus on Northeast
Chief Minister Manik Saha said the central government remains committed to ensuring faster and more inclusive development in the Northeast.
According to him, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has consistently encouraged policies that strengthen connectivity, investment, and public welfare in the region.
Saha expressed confidence that the Northeast would continue progressing through coordinated efforts between state governments and the Centre.
He also said the region now stands at an important stage of transformation and growth. According to the Chief Minister, continued focus on infrastructure, education, healthcare, and employment can help the Northeast achieve greater economic progress in the coming years.
As development initiatives continue across the region, the BJP leadership remains optimistic about the Northeast’s growing role in India’s future economic and strategic landscape.
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