Opposition members in the Rajya Sabha on Monday criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for not visiting Manipur following the outbreak of violence and condemned the imposition of President’s Rule, calling it harmful to democracy.
During a discussion on the Manipur Budget 2025-26 and four related Bills, including The Appropriation Bill, 2025, opposition leaders accused the government of failing to address the crisis.
Sushmita Dev of the All India Trinamool Congress described the budget as a “run-of-the-mill” presentation and a missed opportunity for the Prime Minister to “vindicate himself.” She urged Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to allocate a financial package for Manipur, stressing that peace in the state was crucial for the stability of the entire Northeast.
Congress MP Shaktisinh Gohil called on Modi to follow the “Gandhi Model” by visiting Manipur, arguing that such a visit would show solidarity. Gohil highlighted Rahul Gandhi’s visit to the state, saying the Congress leader was welcomed by the people.
He added, “Prime Minister comes from Gujarat. Gandhi ji was also from Gujarat. Follow Gandhi Model and visit Manipur.”
Bikas Ranjan Bhattacharya of the CPI(M) accused the government of exacerbating the crisis, alleging that missionary schools had been destroyed. He said, “Now with the double-engine failing, you come back to Parliament and speak so loud that whatever the PM has done, is such a beautiful thing. I thank the PM that you did not go there. Had you gone there, things would have worsened.”
RJD MP Manoj Jha said the situation in Manipur could have been mitigated had the Prime Minister visited. He criticised the government for its delayed response and insufficient allocation of Rs 50 crore for disaster relief. He said, “The question is what we are doing to remove the disparities between communities. We need to give a message to Manipur people that you belong to us, we are nothing without you.”
AAP member Sanjay Singh said he was suspended for 11 months from the House for raising the Manipur issue. He called for an inquiry into an alleged audio clip involving former Manipur Chief Minister Biren Singh, claiming it suggested government involvement in the violence.
When asked by Congress leader Pramod Tiwari to authenticate the clip, Singh stated it was in the public domain. Union Minister G Kishan Reddy objected to the remarks and called for action against Singh.
BJD MP Sulata Deo criticised the government for its inaction, pointing to a 25% reduction in the nutrition budget and a 47% cut in the social security outlay for tribals. She remarked that while Manipur was in crisis, the Prime Minister had visited multiple countries since 2022 without visiting the state. Deo also called for increased focus on women’s issues in Manipur.
DMK MP R Girirajan questioned why the Prime Minister had not visited the state, while BJP MP Ajeet Madhavrao Gopchade defended the government, stating, “Duniya mein Manipur ko badnam mat karo” (Don’t defame Manipur globally). YSRCP MP Golla Baburao demanded greater funding for social justice initiatives.
BJP members also countered the criticism by blaming the Congress for communal divisions in the 1990s.
Arun Singh highlighted the 1993 riots in Manipur, where over 750 people died and 305 villages were destroyed. He said, “There was Congress government when riots took place in Manipur. Leave the Prime Minister, Congress’s Home Minister too did not visit the state.”
Singh further stated that Home Minister Amit Shah had stayed in Manipur for three days, while the Minister of State for Home Affairs remained for three months.
DMK MP P Wilson said the budget was inadequate to address the needs of more than 60,000 displaced people and the damage caused to property. He urged the Finance Minister to allocate additional funds for rehabilitation efforts.
Jose K Mani of the Kerala Congress (M) called for political will, genuine dialogue, and leadership to restore peace in Manipur. He emphasised that leadership standing with the people was essential for reconciliation.
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