Imphal, June 30: Manipur, a state engulfed in violence and unrest, recently witnessed a visit from Rahul Gandhi, the prominent leader of the Congress party. However, his visit has sparked a war of words between Gandhi and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who accused him of using the situation for political gain.
Chief Minister Sarma dismissed Gandhi’s visit as a mere media stunt, emphasizing that both the federal and state governments are actively engaged in addressing the situation in Manipur. Sarma asserted that short one-day trips by political leaders would have no substantial impact on the ground. According to him, political leaders should refrain from exploiting the tragic circumstances of a state for their own partisan interests.
“The central and state governments are tasked with controlling the situation in Manipur given the circumstances…There is no need for any political leader to go there because they won’t be able to resolve the issue,” stated Chief Minister Sarma.
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He emphasized that if Rahul Gandhi’s visit had yielded positive results, it would have been a different matter. However, with the media coverage lasting only a day, the Chief Minister suggested that no significant outcome was expected from such visits.
The controversy surrounding Gandhi’s trip to Manipur has become a battleground between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress party. The Congress leader encountered logistical issues during his visit when his convoy got stuck, necessitating a helicopter ride to reach his destination, including relief camps in Churachandpur.
Jairam Ramesh, a Congress politician, took to Twitter to post footage of villagers expressing disappointment that Rahul Gandhi was not given an opportunity to interact with them. These visuals raised questions about the freedom and access given to political leaders to understand the concerns of the local populace.
On the other hand, Amit Malviya, the head of the BJP’s IT unit, shared images suggesting that the villagers had discouraged Gandhi’s visit and that his outreach efforts had found no resonance among the people, referring to him as a “Mohabbat ki Dukaan” (a shop of love) with no takers.
The conflicting narratives from both political parties have further deepened the divide over Rahul Gandhi’s visit to Manipur. While the Congress party has defended the visit as a genuine effort to connect with the affected people, the BJP has criticized it as a calculated move to gain political mileage.
In such a politically charged atmosphere, it is crucial to prioritize the welfare and stability of Manipur. The situation in the state demands a unified approach from all political stakeholders, with an emphasis on working collectively towards a resolution. It is essential to rise above partisan politics and focus on addressing the root causes of violence and unrest.
While political leaders have a role to play in raising awareness about issues, it is equally important for them to ensure that their visits have a tangible impact on the ground. Constructive engagement with local communities and a commitment to long-term solutions are necessary to bring about positive change in Manipur.
The challenges faced by Manipur require concerted efforts and the involvement of multiple stakeholders. It is crucial for political leaders to set aside their differences and work together to bring about peace, stability, and development in the state. Only then can Manipur hope to overcome its tragic circumstances and pave the way for a brighter future.
