The Congress party has strongly criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for not visiting Manipur during his recent tour of the Northeast, despite participating in multiple events in neighboring Assam. The opposition party alleged that the PM has once again neglected the suffering people of Manipur, who have been facing prolonged turmoil over the past 21 months.
Congress Slams PM Modi’s Absence in Manipur
PM Modi’s three-day visit, which covered Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, and Assam, began on Sunday and included inaugurations, cultural events, and investment summits. However, his itinerary did not include Manipur, a state currently under President’s Rule, leading to widespread criticism from Congress.
Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh took to social media to express disappointment, stating: “The Prime Minister has deeply disappointed the people of Manipur yet again. Despite spending a night in Guwahati, he did not visit nearby Manipur, a state currently under President’s Rule. This raises serious questions, especially considering the immense suffering the people of Manipur have endured over the past 21 months.”
PM Modi’s Assam Visit Amid Controversy
During his stay in Assam, Modi participated in several high-profile events, including:
- A grand Jhumoir dance performance in Guwahati, featuring 9,000 performers.
- Playing the traditional ‘Dhomsa’ drum, showcasing Assam’s rich tribal heritage.
- Inaugurating the Advantage Assam 2.0 Investment and Infrastructure Summit, aimed at boosting business and infrastructure growth in the state.
While the Prime Minister’s presence in Assam was celebrated, his absence from Manipur has fueled accusations that the state’s ongoing crisis is being overlooked.
Manipur’s Ongoing Challenges and Political Reactions
For the past 21 months, Manipur has been grappling with ethnic violence, security concerns, and political instability. The BJP-led central government imposed President’s Rule in the state in January 2024, following months of unrest between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities.
Congress and other opposition parties have repeatedly urged PM Modi to personally visit Manipur, interact with affected communities, and take concrete steps toward resolving the crisis. The absence of a direct engagement from the Prime Minister has intensified the criticism from opposition leaders.
Congress Accuses Modi Government of Ignoring Manipur
The Congress party has accused the Modi government of prioritizing political and investment events over humanitarian concerns in the Northeast. They claim that while Assam continues to receive infrastructure investments and high-profile visits, Manipur remains neglected in its time of need.
Congress also highlighted that Union Home Minister Amit Shah and other BJP leaders have visited Manipur, but Modi’s personal absence from the conflict-hit state raises concerns about the government’s commitment to resolving the crisis.
BJP’s Response and Defense
While Congress continues to target the BJP over the Manipur issue, the ruling party has defended PM Modi’s visit, stating that the central government has been actively involved in resolving Manipur’s crisis through various administrative and security measures. BJP leaders argue that:
- The central government has consistently monitored the situation in Manipur and provided financial and military support to maintain law and order.
- PM Modi’s visit to Assam was part of a scheduled plan aimed at economic development in the Northeast.
- The government is working towards a long-term resolution for Manipur’s stability rather than engaging in symbolic visits.
Public Reaction and Future Implications
The public response to PM Modi’s absence from Manipur has been mixed. While BJP supporters argue that economic development in the Northeast is crucial, many citizens in Manipur feel that a visit from the Prime Minister would have been a major morale booster for those affected by the conflict.
With the 2024 Lok Sabha elections approaching, the political debate surrounding PM Modi’s visit (or lack thereof) to Manipur is likely to intensify. The opposition will continue to pressure the BJP-led government on this issue, making it a key talking point in the upcoming elections.
PM Modi’s decision to visit Assam while skipping Manipur has sparked intense political debate. The Congress party has criticized the move, calling it a betrayal of Manipur’s people, while the BJP defends its stance, citing ongoing efforts to stabilize the state.
As Manipur continues to await political attention and concrete solutions, the absence of a Prime Ministerial visit remains a major talking point. Whether Modi will address these concerns in the future remains to be seen, but for now, the political divide over the Northeast’s priorities continues to widen.
