Guwahati: AIUDF General Secretary Rafiqul Islam has expressed measured support for the upcoming Advantage Assam summit, while raising concerns over unemployment and unfulfilled government promises.
The investment summit, set to begin on Tuesday, aims to showcase Assam’s economic potential to delegates from 56 countries and major Indian corporations, including Adani, Ambani, Tata, and Birla.
“If investment comes here through Advantage Assam, then it is good, and we will not oppose it. We want the development of our state,” Islam told ANI. However, he questioned whether the projected ₹1.2 lakh crore investment was adequate to address the state’s economic challenges.
Islam also voiced scepticism over Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s commitments to Assam, noting that despite multiple visits, key promises remain unfulfilled. “Modi has visited Assam many times and spoken about its development, but after 11 years in power, what has he actually done for Assam and the Northeast?” he remarked.
A key criticism was aimed at the BJP-led government’s handling of illegal immigration, an issue that has long fueled political discourse in Assam. Islam recalled Modi’s 2014 election pledge to remove illegal immigrants but alleged that the government has instead “laid a red carpet” for them.
The Advantage Assam summit is being touted as the state government’s most significant effort to attract investment and industrial development. Officials believe the event is a crucial step in leveraging Assam’s geostrategic location and economic potential.
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