Assam BJP Demands Apology Over Congress Remarks on Semiconductor Project

Assam minister Pijush Hazarika, joined by BJP workers, led a protest in Jagiroad demanding an apology from Congress leader Priyank Kharge for his critical comments on Assam’s semiconductor project. The protest follows the state’s landmark agreement with Tata Group to set up a semiconductor unit in Morigaon.

Assam minister Pijush Hazarika, along with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers, orchestrated a massive protest rally in Jagiroad on Tuesday, calling for an apology from Congress leader and Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge for his remarks regarding Assam's semiconductor project. Hazarika described Kharge's comments as detrimental to the state.

"A few days back, Priyank Kharge tweeted about Assam's semiconductor project, which was lamentable for Assam. He questioned why Assam had the semiconductor initiative instead of Karnataka. As an Indian and a nationalist, I believe Karnataka should benefit, but not at Assam's expense. We demand an apology from Priyank Kharge and the Congress party, who do not support state development," said Hazarika.

In a social media post, Hazarika emphasized the protest against Congress's opposition to Assam's largest private investment. He highlighted that on July 16, the Assam government handed over state-owned land in Morigaon to the Tata Group for a major semiconductor plant. The land agreement, signed at the Sub-Registrar's office, leases 517.27 bighas to Tata Group for 60 years.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the Tata Group’s semiconductor and testing center in Jagiroad on March 13, marking a technological milestone for Assam. Tata Semiconductor Assembly and Test Pvt Ltd (TSAT) will establish a facility capable of producing 48 million chips per day, with a budget of Rs 27,000 crore. The center will support sectors including automotive, electric vehicles, consumer electronics, telecom, and mobile phones.