In a sharp critique, Jairam Ramesh accused Prime Minister Modi of prioritizing global travel over addressing the unrest in Manipur, where violence has persisted since May 2023, leaving the people in distress.
BY PC Bureau
Congress MP Jairam Ramesh used the occasion of the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra (BJNY) anniversary to deliver a pointed critique of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s handling of the ongoing crisis in Manipur.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Ramesh highlighted the Prime Minister’s lack of engagement with the state, noting that despite extensive international travels, Modi has not visited Manipur or met with its political leaders, including his own party members.
“Today marks one year since the Indian National Congress launched the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra from Manipur. This initiative, following the historic Kanyakumari-to-Kashmir Bharat Jodo Yatra, covered 6,600 kilometers across 15 states, concluding in Mumbai on March 16, 2024. Yet, the Prime Minister has not found the time or inclination to visit Manipur or reach out to its distressed people,” Ramesh wrote.
Ramesh further criticized Modi’s refusal to meet with Manipur’s political leaders, including BJP legislators and the Chief Minister, despite the ongoing turmoil in the state since May 3, 2023.
He also pointed out the recent decision by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education, Women, Children, Youth, and Sports to postpone its proposed study tour of Manipur, a move reflecting the persisting instability.
“The agony of Manipur continues unabated,” Ramesh concluded, underscoring the government’s perceived apathy toward the state’s plight.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge also recently accused the BJP of exacerbating the situation in Manipur. Kharge stated, “The BJP is the matchstick which burnt Manipur,” alleging that the party has vested interests in keeping the state unsettled. He also criticized the Prime Minister for not visiting Manipur since the violence began on May 3, 2023, and condemned the state government’s handling of the crisis.
Kharge further highlighted the human toll of the conflict, noting that over 250 innocent lives have been lost and more than 60,000 people displaced. He emphasized that many are still living in camps, even after 20 months, and accused the BJP of having vested interests in keeping the border state on the boil.
The Congress party continues to urge the Prime Minister to address the situation in Manipur directly and take concrete steps to restore peace and normalcy in the region.
