Political
In a fresh wave of political criticism, the Congress party has strongly questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s continued absence from the violence hit state of Manipur. As the Prime Minister travels abroad for the G7 Summit and other diplomatic engagements, opposition leaders are raising concerns about his priorities accusing him of ignoring a domestic crisis in favor of international diplomacy.
Manipur, which has been gripped by ethnic unrest since May 2023, continues to experience sporadic violence, displacement, and deepening humanitarian concerns. Despite the severity of the crisis, PM Modi has yet to visit the northeastern state. This has become a central point of criticism for Congress, which has repeatedly demanded a visit from the Prime Minister to show solidarity with the affected citizens and take direct control of the situation.
Jairam Ramesh Statement
Jairam Ramesh, Congress General Secretary in charge of Communications, voiced the party’s concerns in a public statement. “The Prime Minister has time for foreign trips, but not for the people of Manipur. Why does he refuse to step foot in a state that has suffered for more than a year?” he asked.
According to the Congress, Modi’s participation in global summits, while important, should not come at the cost of addressing internal unrest. The party argues that a visit to Manipur would send a strong message of national unity and compassion, and could help expedite resolution efforts.
Critics also point out that while other leaders including Congress’s Rahul Gandhi have visited Manipur to meet victims and assess the ground reality, the Prime Minister has only commented briefly on the issue in Parliament and through social media.
Argue On International Visits
Meanwhile, the ruling BJP has defended the Prime Minister’s foreign outreach. Party leaders argue that international visits such as the G7 Summit are essential for strengthening India’s global image, attracting investment, and securing strategic partnerships. They claim that the situation in Manipur is being handled at both the state and central levels, and that efforts are ongoing to restore normalcy.
Despite these assurances, the opposition remains unconvinced. Congress has urged the Prime Minister to take moral and political responsibility by visiting the troubled state. According to them, such a visit would not only acknowledge the suffering of thousands but also help rebuild trust in central governance.
As the political heat rises, the people of Manipur continue to wait for peace and perhaps, for a visit from their Prime Minister.
