'Anga, Banga, Kalinga, Kamrupa’ to drive India’s next growth phase: Himanta Biswa Sarma

Taking over the reins of power for the second consecutive term, Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the coming of NDA in the 'Anga (Bihar), Banga (West Bengal), Kalinga (Odisha) and Kamrupa (Assam)' regions reflects the re-emergence of a lost civilisation which excelled in trade and governance.

Talking to ET's Bikash Singh, Sarma said that 'Anga, Banga, Kalinga and Kamrupa' will be a strong Eastern presence which will spearhead the India development story. Edited excerpts:

Anga, Banga, Kalinga and Kamrupa...What does this mean for the Eastern region, especially for the vulnerable chicken-neck corridor?


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It is the re-emergence of our old civilisation. Anga, Banga ,Kalinga with the Kamrupa project portrays a strong civilisation. This civilisation strengthened India in the past. Now, Bihar, West Bengal, Odisha, Assam and Northeast under the leadership of Prime minister Narendra Modi will contribute tremendously to the growth of our nation. We will work together and secure and develop the nation and work for the overall benefit of the people of India.

Is it the rise of East India in Independent India?

East has become a very important segment now in Indian politics. But just a change of government may not bring dramatic changes. There is a rise of similar parties and this rise will symbolise development. So, our effort will be to see that there is all-round development and that East starts contributing to the national GDP.

There was a massive mandate for the BJP in Assam and the party swept the West Bengal polls. Is this going to increase the level of expectations?

Obviously, now we cannot say that we do not have a government in West Bengal. Fencing is open. So, how can I help? People of India will not now agree with those types of answers. So, people will make us accountable, and we will be happy to answer them. We are sure that a double-engine government is going to work intensely and passionately for the development of our nation.

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There is talk of the Assam model. Some states are vying to adopt the Assam model of development.

In India, there is one model and that is the Narendra Modi model and Assam is no different. We have implemented the Modi model in Assam.