Congress Challenges Union Minister’s Claim on Northeast Visits Amid Manipur Unrest

New Delhi, August 8, 2023: The Congress party has taken aim at Union Minister Kiren Rijiju for his assertion in the Lok Sabha that the Prime Minister directed regular visits by ministers to northeastern states every 15 days. The Congress has challenged Rijiju to provide specifics of such visits to the strife-torn Manipur within the past 97 days.

Participating in the debate on the no-confidence motion against the government, Rijiju stated, “PM Modi has also given directives to officials to visit the Northeast and meet people. There is no meaning of ruling from Delhi, one can reach the people through service.”

Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh responded to Rijiju’s remarks, highlighting the absence of ministerial visits to Manipur despite the ongoing ethnic violence. Ramesh questioned, “How many of Modi’s Ministers have been to Manipur?” He emphasized the need for concrete actions in addressing the unrest.

“Yes, we all know about the frequency of visits of Union Ministers before any election,” Ramesh pointed out. He challenged Rijiju to provide a comprehensive account of ministerial visits to Manipur in the past 97 days.