PM Modi Pledges UCC with Tribal Safeguards for Assam's Identity

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a senior leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), made significant announcements during an election rally in Gogamukh, Dhemaji district, Assam, on April 1, 2026, as part of the ongoing campaign for the Assam Assembly Elections. The central theme of his address revolved around the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) across the state, alongside a strong commitment to safeguarding the distinct culture and traditions of Assam's tribal communities, particularly those residing in the Sixth Schedule areas. This dual pledge, he asserted, is crucial for preserving the unique identity of Assam. Addressing a large gathering, Prime Minister Modi highlighted that the BJP's approach to the UCC would be carefully calibrated, ensuring that legal uniformity is balanced with constitutional protections for tribal communities. This signals that the proposed UCC is not intended as a 'one-size-fits-all' reform but rather as a framework designed to accommodate Assam's diverse socio-cultural fabric, especially in regions governed under the Sixth Schedule. The BJP's manifesto for the 2026 Assam Assembly Elections, unveiled a day prior by Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, also listed the Uniform Civil Code as a key commitment, notably mentioning its exclusion from Sixth Schedule areas and tribal communities, which further emphasizes the party's intent to protect these specific groups. During his speech, PM Modi also launched a sharp critique against the opposition Congress party, accusing it of promoting infiltrators and attempting to enact laws that would protect them in Assam. He alleged that the Congress's agenda was to turn the majority community into a minority, thereby creating a permanent vote bank of infiltrators. The Prime Minister unequivocally stated that the BJP-led government would not permit such actions and would continue its stringent measures against illegal occupation and infiltration, which he described as a threat to Assam's identity, culture, and national security. He urged the public to be aware of the Congress's purported plans to bring in a 'dangerous law' in Assam, linking it to the historical divisive politics of the Muslim League during the Partition. Modi reaffirmed the BJP's dedication to the welfare of the poor and middle class, emphasizing the party's consistent focus on infrastructure development, employment generation, education (including free education from KG to PG as per their manifesto), and healthcare to achieve inclusive development. He highlighted the significant progress Assam had witnessed under the 'double-engine' government (referring to BJP governments at both the Centre and the State) over the past decade, which he credited for bringing lasting peace and stability to the state, steering many youths away from violence. He specifically mentioned the completion of five major bridges over the Brahmaputra in just 10-11 years as an example of development. The Prime Minister also lauded the efforts in preserving forests, religious and historical sites, and preventing land encroachment, while also giving land deeds to tea garden workers, providing them with security and a foundation for life. Modi expressed strong confidence in the BJP's electoral prospects in Assam, asserting that the party is on track for a 'hat-trick' (third consecutive term) in the state. He positioned the upcoming elections as a stepping stone towards building a 'Viksit Bharat' (Developed India) and a 'Viksit Assam' (Developed Assam), stressing that the youth who have grown up in the last 20-25 years have primarily witnessed the good governance of the BJP-NDA. Other key commitments outlined in the BJP's 2026 Assam Assembly Elections manifesto, besides the UCC, included measures to clear illegal encroachment from government land, implementation of the Immigrants (Expulsion from Assam) Act, 1950, and land rights for all genuine citizens. These pledges collectively aim to strengthen the state's identity, promote socio-economic growth, and ensure security for its indigenous population. The widespread coverage of PM Modi's statements by various credible news outlets, including The Hindu, The Times of India, ABP Live, and ANI News, corroborates the factual accuracy of the claims made in the original article.

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