Modi announces multi-billion-dollar investments during Assam and West Bengal visits ahead of polls

NEW DELHI: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday unveiled a series of major investment projects during a visit to Assam, as part of a broader tour of states ahead of upcoming elections. The initiatives, valued at over $5 billion, include infrastructure developments such as land allocations for tea plantation workers, a dam project, and a significant train and road corridor.

Assam, a northeastern state with a population of approximately 32 million, is currently governed by Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The newly announced projects are aimed at bolstering the region's infrastructure and supporting its workforce, particularly those in the tea plantation sector.

Prime Minister Modi's tour continues on Saturday with a scheduled visit to the neighboring state of West Bengal. West Bengal, home to around 105 million people, is led by Mamata Banerjee of the All India Trinamool Congress party, a key political rival of Modi. During his visit, Modi is expected to inaugurate projects in road infrastructure, railways, port, and shipping, with a total investment of roughly $2 billion. According to the Prime Minister's office, these projects are intended to "accelerate economic growth" in the state.

This series of announcements comes as several Indian states prepare for elections later this year. In addition to Assam and West Bengal, the southern states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu are also set to hold polls. Both Kerala and Tamil Nadu are currently under opposition control.

The investments and infrastructure projects launched by Prime Minister Modi are seen as significant moves in the lead-up to the elections, particularly in politically important regions such as West Bengal, where the BJP is seeking to expand its influence.