GUWAHATI: BJP MLA from Lakhimpur, Manab Deka, on Tuesday urged an end to what he termed "intellectual terrorism", alleging that some individuals spread misinformation on social media, tarnishing Assam's image among global investors, businesses and tourists.
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Participating in the budget discussion in the Assam Legislative Assembly, Deka thanked Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Finance Minister Jayanta Mallabarua for the state government's initiatives to promote the semiconductor industry and establish an Aviation Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) ecosystem.
Highlighting the significance of the semiconductor sector, Deka said the government was adopting a forward-looking vision to position Assam as an emerging industrial hub.
"Petroleum was the fuel of the 20th century, but semiconductors are the fuel of the 21st century. The value of semiconductors today is far greater than what petroleum represented in the last century. This government is opening the doors to the future by creating a favourable environment for the semiconductor industry," he said.
He added that semiconductors are the backbone of several industries and asserted that Assam's industrial growth would accelerate through investments in the sector. Referring to China and Taiwan, he said their rise as global electronics manufacturing hubs underscored the transformative potential of the semiconductor industry.
Taking a swipe at the Opposition, Deka accused its leaders of adopting contradictory positions on development projects.
"Those who livestream from Ganeshguri while opposing development projects are often the same people who later accuse the government of failing to bring development. The Opposition should make up its mind. If they truly want development, they should join hands with the government and become brand ambassadors of the semiconductor industry, whether it is Leader of the Opposition Wazed Ali Choudhury or Akhil Gogoi," he said.
Referring to the state's improved law and order situation, Deka thanked the government for ending terrorism in Assam but said "intellectual terrorism" also needed to be tackled. He alleged that misinformation and fearmongering on social media were creating a negative perception of Assam among the international business community and discouraging potential investors.
"I request the Chief Minister, with folded hands, to bring investors like Adani and Ambani to Assam. If I get an opportunity to host them in Lakhimpur, I will welcome them with grand traditional hospitality," he said.
Deka stressed that attracting investments across multiple sectors would be key to accelerating Assam's economic growth and creating new opportunities for the state's youth.