Kaziranga: Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on an elephant and jeep safari in Assam’s Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve on Saturday morning.
According to officials, PM Modi first took the elephant safari in the Mihimukh area of the Central Kohora Range of the park and then took the jeep safari inside the same range. He also fed sugar cane to elephants.
“Feeding sugar cane to Lakhimai, Pradyumna and Phoolmai. Kaziranga is known for the rhinos but there are also large number of elephants there, along with several other species,” PM Modi wrote on ‘X’, sharing pictures of the “unparalleled beauty of Kaziranga landscapes”.
He was accompanied by park director Sonali Ghosh and other senior forest officials.
The Prime Minister had arrived at Kaziranga on Friday evening on a two-day visit to the state. Assam’s political significance in India stems from several factors:
- Gateway to the Northeast: As the largest state in the region, Assam acts as a bridge between mainland India and the Northeast. Political stability in Assam is crucial for the development of the entire region.
- Identity Politics: The Assam Movement (1979-1985) highlighted anxieties around illegal immigration and protection of Assamese identity. This continues to be a dominant theme, shaping political parties’ stances and voter concerns.
- Ethnic Diversity: Assam is a multi-ethnic state with indigenous Assamese communities sharing space with Bengali Hindus and Muslims. Balancing their interests and addressing their concerns is a constant challenge for the government.
- Security Concerns: Insurgent groups like the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) have historically posed security threats. Political efforts focus on maintaining peace and resolving these conflicts.
- National Party Battleground: Assam is a battleground for national parties like the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Indian National Congress (INC). The party that effectively addresses Assam’s specific issues often gains a national advantage.
In conclusion, Assam’s political importance transcends its geographical borders. It grapples with issues of identity, immigration, and security, all of which have national ramifications.
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