Shah inaugurates Brahmaputra Wing at Raj Bhavan, launches Rs 322 crore projects in Assam

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaAugust 29, 2025

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah on Friday inaugurated the Brahmaputra Wing of the Raj Bhavan in Guwahati and virtually launched and laid the foundation stones of eight projects worth Rs 322 crore. The event was attended by Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and several other dignitaries.

In his address, Shah said the Northeast, which had endured years of unrest and violent conflicts, was today firmly moving towards peace, development and comprehensive growth. He recalled the sacrifices and contributions of the region to India’s security and history, stating that from Maharaja Prithu to Lachit Borphukan, from Chilarai to the youth of Assam who joined the armed forces for the nation, the Northeast had always stood as a strong pillar of India’s unity. He observed that the region is home to one of the world’s oldest and most diverse cultures, with its languages, art, cuisine, attire, music and natural beauty making it remarkable on the global stage.

Referring to the Assam Movement, Shah said many youths had sacrificed their lives for the cause and that the vision of that movement was today being realized under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. He said the Assam envisioned during that time had not only been achieved but surpassed, and assured that the current pace of development would continue without interruption.

The Union Home Minister said that the last 11 years under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership would be remembered in golden letters in the history of the Northeast. He pointed out that India had witnessed a transformation in every sector during this period. Citing achievements, he said that the Modi government had ensured external and internal security, improved infrastructure, expanded power generation and lifted 25 crore people out of poverty. He further said that 60 crore people had been provided with houses, electricity, toilets, piped water, gas cylinders and health insurance of up to Rs 5 lakh, stressing that these were not just policies but realities implemented on the ground. “The world is watching this progress with astonishment,” Shah remarked.

Placing emphasis on the growing importance of cybersecurity, Shah recalled that the first National Cyber Forensic Laboratory (NCFL) was set up in Delhi in 2019 under the I4C initiative. He announced that the second such facility has now been established in Guwahati, which would safeguard the earnings of citizens across all eight Northeastern states. He said the NCFL, set up at the Lachit Borphukan Police Academy in Dergaon, would strengthen national security by countering narcotics, arms smuggling and infiltration through the dark net. Policemen from across the region would work round the clock to secure borders and citizens’ finances.

Shah also inaugurated several facilities for the Central Armed Police Forces, including BSF residential quarters in Guwahati and a barracks, officers’ mess and medical facility for ITBP personnel in Sonapur. He laid the foundation stones for the Inspector General’s office of Assam Rifles in Shrikona, a mining unit in Silchar and a residential and administrative complex at the regional headquarters of Assam Rifles in Jorhat.

Speaking about the Brahmaputra Wing of the Raj Bhavan, Shah said it was constructed at a cost of over Rs 40 crore over an area of more than 3,300 square metres. The new wing, he said, would enable smooth functioning of constitutional activities and serve as a space to acknowledge the contributions of students, artists and researchers. It would also facilitate meaningful dialogues between the Governor and the government, reflecting public sentiment in governance.

Turning to political developments, Shah condemned the remarks made by opposition leaders against Prime Minister Modi’s late mother. He said the opposition had crossed all limits by using abusive words, adding that such negative politics would only degrade public life. He said that since Modi’s tenure as Chief Minister of Gujarat, opposition leaders had resorted to such language in every election but had faced defeat. Shah demanded that the opposition leader concerned apologise to the Prime Minister, his late mother and the people of the country.

Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya, in his speech, described the Brahmaputra Wing as more than an administrative facility, calling it a tribute to Assam’s spirit, legacy and resilience. He compared the new structure to the Brahmaputra itself, saying it embodied the region’s strength, grace and cultural flow. He said the inauguration came at a time when Assam was asserting its place at the forefront of India’s growth story, aided by the Act East Policy, which had positioned the state as a gateway to Southeast Asia. The Governor also highlighted Assam’s economic growth, noting that the Gross State Domestic Product had risen from Rs 1.92 lakh crore in 2014 to about Rs 7.41 lakh crore. He attributed this to strong governance at both the Centre and the state, and paid tribute to Assam’s saints, warriors and leaders who shaped its identity.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma reviewed the history of the Raj Bhavan, noting that it was formally established in 1980 and became a full-fledged facility in 1989. He said that apart from minor additions, the premises had not seen major upgrades in decades. The Brahmaputra Wing, he said, was the first stage of reconstruction and would be followed by the construction of a Darbar Hall and other facilities. He added that the NCFL would enhance the Lachit Borphukan Police Academy’s role as a national institution, with several states already seeking its training. He thanked the Union Home Minister for inaugurating key projects and for his continued support to Assam.

The day’s programme also included a temple visit, a cow worship ritual and a tree plantation drive at the Raj Bhavan premises. The ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, Governor of Punjab and former Assam Governor Gulab Chand Kataria, former Governors Banwarilal Purohit and Jagdish Mukhi, Minister Ranjeet Kumar Dass and Chief Secretary Dr Ravi Kota.