Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Friday sharply criticised BJP President JP Nadda’s letter, which accused the Congress of “sensationalising” the Manipur violence. Ramesh dismissed the letter as a “4D exercise” of denial, distortion, distraction, and defamation, and accused the BJP of spreading falsehoods about the ongoing crisis in the northeastern state.
Ramesh also posed four pointed questions that he said reflected the concerns of Manipur’s people, highlighting their desire for peace and stability. “The people of Manipur are yearning for normalcy, peace, and harmony. Towards this, they are asking four simple questions,” said Ramesh.
- “When will the Prime Minister visit the state?”
- “How much longer will the Chief Minister, who has lost the support of a majority of MLAs, remain in office?”
- “When will a full-time Governor for the state be appointed?”
- “When will the Union Home Minister take responsibility for his abject failures in Manipur?”
Nadda’s Criticism
Nadda had earlier attacked Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge’s letter to President Droupadi Murmu on the Manipur issue, accusing the Congress of creating a “false, incorrect, and politically motivated narrative” for political mileage. He alleged that the party was peddling a divisive agenda and undermining India’s progress.
“The Congress has a pattern of endorsing and encouraging foreign forces to derail India’s growth. This is either a blind spot caused by its thirst for power or a deliberate strategy to divide people and undermine democracy,” Nadda claimed.
Nadda also highlighted the transformation of the Northeast under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, citing progress in areas such as the economy, security, healthcare, and education. “What was once a region plagued by gunshots and explosions is now witnessing peace, prosperity, and development,” he said.
He further pointed to a significant reduction in poverty in Manipur, from over 20% in 2013 to just above 5% in 2022, and credited the double-engine NDA government for its achievements in improving connectivity and fostering stability.
Congress Questions BJP’s Governance
Ramesh’s rebuttal highlighted the deteriorating law and order in Manipur, particularly in light of recent violent incidents. He noted the growing discontent among local leaders, with many MLAs openly challenging the state government’s handling of the crisis.
On Monday, several MLAs passed a resolution demanding a review of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in Manipur and a crackdown on Kuki militants allegedly responsible for recent violence, including the killing of six civilians in Jiribam. They also called for the transfer of three key cases, including the killing of a woman farmer and the deaths of six people, to the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
The MLAs demanded that the central government declare Kuki militants an “unlawful organisation” within a week. Internet services in seven districts remain suspended following the unrest.
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Escalating Tensions
The violence in Manipur has reignited debates about governance and communal harmony in the state. Critics have questioned the effectiveness of the state’s leadership and the role of the central government in addressing the crisis.
Ramesh’s demand for the Prime Minister to visit the state and appoint a full-time Governor underscores the perceived lack of accountability at the highest levels. The Congress leader accused the BJP of deflecting attention from its governance failures by focusing on what he described as fabricated narratives about the Congress’ intentions.
A Call for Stability
As tensions escalate, calls for a resolution to the Manipur crisis are growing louder. Stakeholders have urged the government to prioritise peace-building efforts and address the underlying causes of the violence.
While the BJP continues to defend its record in the Northeast, the opposition has seized the opportunity to challenge its claims of progress. The contrasting narratives between the two parties underscore the complexity of the situation in Manipur, where political rivalries and ethnic tensions intersect.
With the crisis showing no signs of abating, all eyes are now on the central government and its next steps in restoring peace and stability to the region.
