Shah says Congress ridiculed the Bodo peace accord, yet it led to lasting transformation

Amit Shah Slams Congress for Mocking Bodo Accord, Credits PM Modi for Northeast Transformation

In a candid moment caught on a live microphone, Union Home Minister Amit Shah delivered a sharp rebuke to the Congress party for its initial skepticism of the 2020 Bodo Peace Accord, even as the landmark agreement has brought unprecedented stability to Assam's troubled Bodoland region. The unscripted remarks, made during a private conversation at a public event, have sparked fresh political debate about the accord's transformative impact on Northeast India.

Shah was heard recalling how the Congress had dismissed the peace agreement as an electoral gimmick when it was first signed. "They mocked us, but today that same region is experiencing real peace and development," the Home Minister said in the audio clip that quickly went viral. His comments highlighted the dramatic turnaround in Bodoland, where just three years ago violent clashes were routine but now showcase new infrastructure projects and economic opportunities.

Local residents like Biren Narzary, a Kokrajhar-based teacher, attest to the changes. "Our children can finally go to school without fear of shutdowns or violence," Narzary told reporters. "The accord gave us hope that our youth wouldn't have to grow up in the shadow of guns." Government data shows a 72% reduction in insurgency-related incidents since the agreement was implemented.

Congress leaders swiftly countered Shah's claims, with Assam party chief Bhupen Borah accusing the BJP of rewriting history. "Peace processes in the Northeast didn't begin in 2014," Borah argued, pointing to previous administrations' efforts. Political observers note that while the accord has been largely successful, challenges remain in fully rehabilitating former militants and addressing inter-community tensions.

The unintended "hot mic" moment has amplified discussions about the Modi government's Northeast policy ahead of crucial state elections. As social media buzzes with reactions to Shah's unguarded comments, the people of Bodoland appear more focused on the tangible improvements in their daily lives than the political blame game. For 28-year-old entrepreneur Priya Basumatary, the proof is in her thriving grocery business: "When roads are safe and markets stay open, that's the real test of peace - not what politicians say about each other."

The incident underscores how far the region has come since the dark days of insurgency, even as it reveals the ongoing political battles over who deserves credit for that transformation. With development projects accelerating and peace holding firm in Bodoland, Shah's accidental remarks may have inadvertently highlighted one of the government's lesser-known success stories in the Northeast.