Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone and inaugurated various development works worth over Rs 5,100 crore in Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh today. Addressing the gathering on the occasion, he extended reverence to the Almighty Donyi Polo, praying for blessings upon all. 

Prime Minister remarked that the journey from the helipad to the ground, meeting countless people along the way, and witnessing children and youth holding the national flag filled him with pride due to Arunachal Pradesh’s warm hospitality. He highlighted that Arunachal is not only the land of the rising sun but also a land of fervent patriotism. Just as the first colour of the national flag is saffron, Arunachal’s spirit too begins with saffron. Shri Modi noted that every individual in Arunachal is a symbol of valour and simplicity. He expressed his deep affection for the state, stating that every visit brings him immense joy and that every moment spent with the people is memorable. He acknowledged the love and affection shown to him as a great honour. “From the Tawang Monastery to the Golden Pagoda in Namsai, Arunachal Pradesh represents a confluence of peace and culture”, stated the Prime Minister saluting this sacred land, calling it the pride of Mother India.

Highlighting that his visit to Arunachal Pradesh today was special for three distinct reasons, the Prime Minister said that first, on the auspicious first day of Navratri, he had the privilege of witnessing the beautiful mountain ranges. He remarked that on this day, devotees worship Maa Shailputri, the daughter of the Himalayas. Second, he announced the implementation of next-generation GST reforms across the country and the launch of the GST Savings Festival. Shri Modi noted that during the festive season, citizens have received a double bonanza. Third, he emphasized the inauguration of numerous development projects in Arunachal Pradesh ranging across sectors including power, connectivity, tourism, and health. The Prime Minister stated that this reflects the double benefit of their Governments at the Union and the state and extended heartfelt congratulations to the people of Arunachal for these projects. He affirmed that the GST Savings Festival will bring in joy, prosperity and success to the people of India.

Mentioning that while Arunachal Pradesh is the first to receive the rays of the sun, it was unfortunate that the rays of rapid development took several decades to reach the region, Shri Modi recalled visiting Arunachal multiple times before 2014 and being among its people, noting that the state is abundantly blessed by nature—with its land, hardworking citizens, and immense potential. The Prime Minister highlighted that despite these strengths, those who governed from Delhi in earlier times consistently neglected Arunachal. He criticized few political parties for their mindset that Arunachal, with its small population and only two Lok Sabha seats, did not warrant attention. He stated that this approach caused significant harm to Arunachal and the entire Northeast, which was left far behind in the journey of development.

Shri Modi stated that after being given the opportunity to serve the nation in 2014, he resolved to free the country from the previous dispensation’s mindset. He emphasized that the guiding inspiration of his government is not the number of votes or seats in any state, but the principle of “Nation First.” He reiterated the government’s core mantra— ‘Nagarik Devobhava’. The Prime Minister remarked that those who were never acknowledged before are now revered by Modi. He highlighted that the Northeast, which was neglected during opposition rule, became central to development priorities post-2014. The budget for the region’s development was increased manifold, and last-mile connectivity and delivery were made hallmarks of our administration. He further asserted that governance would no longer be confined to Delhi; officers and ministers must frequently visit and stay in the Northeast.

Underlining that during the previous dispensation’s regime, a Union Minister would visit the Northeast only once in two to three months. In contrast, Shri Modi said, under our government, Union Ministers have visited the Northeast over 800 times. He emphasized that these visits are not symbolic; ministers make efforts to stay overnight and engage meaningfully with the region. The Prime Minister said that he himself has visited the Northeast more than 70 times, adding that just last week, he travelled to Mizoram, Manipur, and Assam, and spent the night in Guwahati. He expressed his deep affection for the Northeast, stating that his government has bridged the emotional gap and brought Delhi closer to the people.

Emphasising that the eight states of the Northeast are revered as Ashtalakshmi, the Prime Minister said therefore cannot be left behind in the journey of development. He stressed that the Central Government is allocating substantial funds for the region’s progress. Citing an example, he explained that a portion of the taxes collected by the Centre is distributed to the states. During the previous regime, Arunachal Pradesh received only ₹6,000 crore from central taxes over ten years. In contrast, Shri Modi emphasised that under our government, Arunachal has received over ₹1 lakh crore in the same period—16 times more. He clarified that this figure pertains only to the tax share, and does not include additional expenditures under various schemes and major infrastructure projects being implemented in the state. The Prime Minister remarked that this is why Arunachal is witnessing such extensive and rapid development today.

Emphasizing that when intentions are noble and efforts are honest, results are visible, Shri Modi stated that the Northeast is emerging as a driving force in the nation’s development, with a strong focus on good governance. He affirmed that for his government, nothing is more important than the welfare of citizens. Shri Modi underscored that to make life easier, the government is working on Ease of Living; to reduce travel difficulties, Ease of Travel; to improve healthcare access, Ease of Medical Treatment; to support education, Ease of Education; and to facilitate business, Ease of Doing Business is being worked upon. The Prime Minister highlighted that their governments at Union and State are actively pursuing these goals. Areas where roads were once unimaginable are now witnessing the construction of quality highways. Infrastructure like the Sela Tunnel, which was once considered impossible, has now become a symbol of Arunachal’s progress, the PM stated.