Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said cheating for votes came naturally to the Congress. He also hit out at the minority-based All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) while criticising the Congress for choosing an electoral partner that “threatens the integrity of Assam”.

“Congress is disconnected from ground realities. The party today has neither a neta (leader), nor niti (policy), nor vichaardhara (ideology),” the Prime Minister said while addressing a BJP rally in southern Assam’s Karimganj.

He referred to a video where State Congress president Ripun Bora and Kaliabor MP Gaurav Gogoi are purportedly heard listing promises that are “not supposed to be fulfilled”, to stress his point about the Congress “cheating” and “going to any lengths” for votes.

“Congress has become so weak that it can do anything to win elections, join hands with anybody. The party is giving laal-salaam (red salute) to the Left parties in West Bengal, fighting the Left Front in Kerala, and aligning with a tala-chabi party (lock and key, symbol of the AIUDF) that is harmful for the Assam’s unity and integrity,” Mr. Modi said, adding that the Congress, with its confusing approach, cannot deliver on its promises.

The AIUDF is a constituent of the 10-party Mahajot (grand alliance) that the Congress heads in Assam.

Calling the Barak Valley (southern Assam) a gateway to the northeast, Mr. Modi said the BJP has not forgotten the support of the people across the valley.

“Barak Valley voted for the BJP in nine out of 15 seats when our party was not in a strong position three decades ago. This is the reason why I have started the formal election campaign from here,” the Prime Minister said, underlining the party’s commitment to developing and improving connectivity in Assam and the northeast.

The 15 seats in Barak Valley will go to the polls in the second phase of the election on April 1.