Verbal Fireworks in Parliament: Amit Shah locks horn with Rahul Gandhi over Manipur Crisis Handling

New Delhi, August 10, 2023: The Lok Sabha witnessed an intense exchange of words as Congress leader Rahul Gandhi vehemently criticized the Modi government’s handling of the violence in Manipur, accusing the BJP of “harming Bharat Mata” in the state.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, delivering a resolute defense, disclosed that the Centre had been relentless in its efforts to bring peace to Manipur, even detailing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s early-morning calls regarding the matter.

In a fiery rejoinder, Shah revealed, “I want to let the country know, the Prime Minister called me at 4.30 am, and then woke me up again with a phone call the next day at 6 am. For three straight days, we worked from here to ensure peace.”

Shah further emphasized the government’s concerted actions, stating, “We held 16 video conferences, sent 36,000 CAPF personnel immediately, used air force planes, changed the Chief Secretary and DGP, sent an adviser from Surat; the Centre sent chief secretary and DGP, too.”

The debate also saw Shah appealing for peace between the warring Kuki and Meitei communities, urging them to engage in dialogue with the Centre to quell the ongoing ethnic violence.

Gandhi’s accusations against the BJP’s politics in Manipur prompted a robust response from Shah. The Home Minister acknowledged the cycle of violence in Manipur while cautioning against the politicization of the situation.

“I agree with the Opposition that there is a cycle of violence in Manipur… Whatever happened is shameful, but to politicise those events is even more shameful,” Shah asserted.

The debate also addressed the controversial release of a video depicting the parading of two women naked in Manipur, raising questions about its timing and intent.

With Prime Minister Modi scheduled to address the debate on August 10, followed by voting, the ongoing discussions continue to shed light on the challenges surrounding Manipur and spark conversations on effective governance and conflict resolution.