Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s visit to strife-torn Manipur on Thursday provoked a storm of controversy, drawing sharp criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which labelled his actions as irresponsible behaviour. This, after a person lost their life due to escalating tensions coinciding with Gandhi’s visit. BJP national spokesperson and Manipur in-charge Sambit Patra, during a press conference, condemned the Congress leader’s decision to ignore local administration advice.
They had suggested that Gandhi use a helicopter to visit Churanchandpur in light of the existing tension. Instead, Gandhi insisted on road travel, which was met with protests by various civil society organisations, including Manipur student unions. Patra charged, “Rahul and responsibility never go together,” accusing the former Congress chief of political insensitivity and irresponsibility. Since June 13, Patra stated, there had been no reported incidents or loss of life in Manipur until Gandhi’s visit.
Following the BJP’s criticism, the Congress leader’s convoy was halted by the Manipur police at Bishnupur amid allegations by the Congress that the BJP-led government was trying to thwart its leader’s visit to the strife-torn state. Subsequently, Gandhi was flown to Churachandpur in a state government provided chopper, along with top police and administration officials.
Once at Churachandpur, Gandhi visited a relief camp and interacted with the displaced people. However, this delay did not go unnoticed by the public. A substantial number of supporters, including women, demanded that Gandhi be allowed to visit Churachandpur. BJP IT Cell chief Amit Malviya expressed criticism towards Gandhi’s visit via a tweet, accusing him of being a political opportunist witha selfish agenda. Malviya contrasted Gandhi’s current visit to his absence during the 2015-17 ethnic violence in Churachandpur.
He concluded, “His visit to Manipur is not borne out of concern for people but his own selfish political agenda.” These accusations have stoked the flames of an already heated political climate in Manipur, marking Gandhi’s visit as a significant point of contention. As the situation continues to evolve, it remains to be seen what impact this incident will have on the political landscape in Manipur.