This article critically examines the Lower Subansiri Hydroelectric Project (LSHEP) through the lens of developmental discourse, situating it within India's broader push for infrastructure-led national growth. Drawing on Michel Foucault’s theorization of power and discourse, the study interrogates how hydropower is framed as a symbol of progress, regional upliftment, and energy security. It unpacks how state and institutional narratives portray LSHEP as a gift of development, marginalizing local voices and silencing dissent. While official claims highlight benefits such as economic integration and modernity, civil society organizations, initially embraced but later resisted the project, reflecting a shift from hope to contestation. The analysis further explores the role of fear, repression, and the strategic use of silence in enforcing consent. Ultimately, the article argues for a rethinking of development in Northeast India, advocating participatory and ecologically sensitive alternatives that account for local histories, aspirations, and rights.