In Assam, Modi alleges foreign conspiracy to defame Indian tea
What's the story
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that a conspiracy has been hatched abroad to defame Indian tea.
The PM was speaking at a public gathering in Dhekiajuli in the Sonitpur district of Assam.
Modi is on a one-day visit to Assam and he will later head to West Bengal.
This was Modi's second visit to the poll-bound state in a fortnight.
Statement
'People conspiring to defame India not even sparing tea'
Modi said at the rally, "People who are conspiring to defame India have stooped so low that they're not sparing even Indian tea... Some documents have come up revealing that some foreign powers are planning to attack India's identity associated with tea. Will you accept this attack?"
Modi said Assam's tea workers will "win this fight against the attacks."
Other remarks
Modi criticizes previous governments for not developing Northeast
He mentioned a transfer of Rs. 3,000 each to 7.5 lakh tea garden workers in the state and also highlighted the Rs. 1,000 crore earmarked for tea workers of Assam and West Bengal in this year's Union Budget.
Modi said the Northeast is moving towards development with Assam at the center. He also criticized previous governments for not focusing on the region.
Rally
Assam CM Sarbananda Sonowal, Himanta Biswa Sarma attended rally
Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and state Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma were present at the gathering where Modi launched the 'Asom Mala' project.
The Rs. 8,210 crore project is aimed at upgrading the state highways.
Modi also laid the foundation stones for two medical colleges which are being set up in Biswanath and Charaideo at an estimated cost of over Rs. 1100 crore.
Information
Modi takes stock of Uttarakhand flood situation from Assam
The PM's office said in a statement that Modi took stock of the flood situation in Uttarakhand remotely from Assam. "He took stock of rescue and relief work underway. Authorities are working to provide all possible support to the affected," the PMO said.