Rijiju Hails PM Modi’s Visit as “Holy Day” for Arunachal, Terms GST Reforms Historic

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Arunachal Pradesh on September 22 was marked as a significant moment in the state’s history, with Union Minister Kiren Rijiju describing it as a “sacred day” that coincided with the auspicious occasion of Navratri. Rijiju hailed the visit as a historic milestone, not only for the frontier state of Arunachal Pradesh but also for the nation as a whole, signalling a new phase of development and growth.

Addressing a large public gathering at Indira Gandhi Park, Rijiju emphasised the importance of the Prime Minister’s presence in the state. He described how Modi’s repeated visits to Arunachal Pradesh have consistently boosted the morale of the people while simultaneously accelerating the pace of development. According to Rijiju, no other Prime Minister in India’s history has visited the state so frequently, and every such visit brings with it new projects, inaugurations, and foundation stone-laying ceremonies that directly contribute to the state’s progress.

One of the most notable aspects of this particular visit was the rollout of new Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms, announced from Arunachal Pradesh itself. Rijiju praised the decision, highlighting that it would have a direct impact on millions of low-income citizens across the country. He described the reforms as a step toward economic relief for ordinary families and announced that Arunachal Pradesh would celebrate the new rate cuts under the theme of “Bachat Utsav” or “festival of savings.” According to him, the initiative would ensure that the benefits of these reforms reach every shop and village in the state, making the economic impact both wide-ranging and meaningful.

Rijiju also used the occasion to reflect on the journey of transformation that Arunachal Pradesh has undergone over the past decade and a half. He reminded the audience of the severe challenges the state faced around 14 to 15 years ago, when it lacked even the most basic infrastructure. At that time, there was no airport, no railway connectivity, inadequate highway systems, and mobile phone coverage was absent in many villages. The lack of proper connectivity meant that even traveling between districts was a huge challenge, often taking weeks, particularly during the monsoon season when roads became nearly impassable.

In stark contrast, Rijiju highlighted the current state of Arunachal Pradesh, which he credited to Modi’s leadership and developmental vision. Today, the state has a fully functional airport that directly connects it to major cities such as Delhi, Kolkata, and Guwahati. Additionally, Arunachal Pradesh now has a railway line, expanded networks of national highways, tunnels, and significantly improved roads that make travel between districts quicker and more efficient. He proudly stated that Arunachal now boasts the highest length of national highways in the entire Northeast region, marking a complete transformation from the situation of the past.

The minister stressed that these changes have not only improved infrastructure and connectivity but have also given a sense of empowerment and confidence to the people of Arunachal Pradesh. By bringing modern facilities and faster links to the rest of India, the state is no longer isolated but instead positioned as a crucial part of the nation’s growth story. Rijiju credited Modi’s vision for bridging this gap and lifting Arunachal into a new era of progress.

In conclusion, Rijiju portrayed the Prime Minister’s visit as a symbol of hope and development. He underlined that Modi’s leadership has been instrumental in transforming the lives of the people of Arunachal Pradesh by ensuring economic reforms, infrastructure development, and repeated engagement with the state. The announcement of GST reforms from Arunachal further cemented the importance of the visit, offering direct benefits to citizens and showcasing Arunachal as a site of historic decisions. The day, Rijiju said, would be remembered as a “sacred day” that marked a new chapter in both the state’s and the nation’s journey toward progress and inclusivity.