Rahul Gandhi Criticizes PM Modi’s Response to Manipur Crisis in Parliament

New Delhi, August 11, 2023: Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s extensive speech in response to a no-confidence motion in the Lok Sabha, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi condemned the PM’s approach towards addressing the ongoing violence and fatalities in Manipur.

Gandhi accused Modi of making jokes and laughing in Parliament while National Democratic Alliance (NDA) legislators chanted slogans.

During a press conference in New Delhi, Rahul Gandhi stated, “The Prime Minister wants Manipur to burn. I heard PM Modi speaking in Parliament. He was cracking jokes, laughing with NDA MPs sloganeering. It does not behove a prime minister.”

Gandhi expressed concern over the division between the Kuki and Meitei communities in Manipur. He recounted an incident where he was advised against including Kukis for security reasons when visiting the Meitei area. The situation was similar in the Kuki area, highlighting the divide in the state.

Criticizing Modi’s response to the Manipur crisis, Gandhi emphasized that the Prime Minister possesses the means to control the situation but is failing to utilize them. He suggested that instead of laughing in Parliament, Modi could have engaged with the communities in Manipur to address the conflict.

Gandhi stated, “When a person becomes PM, he should not speak like a petty politician. It’s tragic to watch PM Modi speak for 2 hours on the Congress and Opposition… There are clear reasons why PM is not going to Manipur.”

While addressing the Lok Sabha on Thursday, PM Modi had blamed the Congress for issues in the North-East and assured Manipur residents that the country stands by them and that peace would be restored in the state.

Gandhi concluded by acknowledging the potential role of the Army in resolving the crisis, stating, “I am not seeking the Army’s intervention. All I am saying is that the Army can stop this in two days. It is not my position to say which tool PM Modi will use.”