BJP Claims PM Modi Holds Manipur Dear as Opposition Calls for His Presence
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Synopsis
On March 17, the Rajya Sabha addressed ethnic violence in Manipur, with the Opposition criticizing the government's handling of the crisis. In response, the BJP highlighted Prime Minister Modi's connection to the state and the government's developmental initiatives.
Key Takeaways
- Opposition accuses government of neglecting Manipur's crisis.
- Gohil calls for PM Modi's visit to express solidarity.
- Over 60,000 people displaced in Manipur.
- Budget for Manipur increased significantly since 2014.
- Government highlights various development initiatives.
New Delhi, March 17 (NationPress) The Rajya Sabha convened on Monday to deliberate the ethnic violence gripping Manipur. The Opposition accused the government of neglect and mishandling the crisis, while the ruling party retorted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has Manipur close to his heart.
During the debate, Congress MP Shaktisinh Gohil stressed the importance of a unified approach to resolve the issues in Manipur.
"The message must resonate that our hearts are with the people across every region of the country. The anguish of Manipur is not limited to just the state; it is a national concern," he asserted.
Gohil contended that Prime Minister Modi ought to visit Manipur to show solidarity with its residents.
"When will the populace of Manipur sense that the nation stands alongside them? If parliaments in England and Europe can address this issue, why can’t we?" he inquired.
Pointing out the magnitude of the crisis, Gohil noted that over 60,000 individuals have been displaced and hundreds have lost their lives in the past 21 months.
He criticized the allocation of Rs 2,866 crore from Manipur's budget for police incentives in sensitive areas, arguing that such funds should originate from the central government. He also remarked that only Rs 100 crore was set aside for relief efforts despite the extensive displacement.
Trinamool Congress MP Sushmita Dev highlighted that Manipur has endured an Internet shutdown lasting 212 days.
In response, BJP MP Ajit Madhavrao claimed that Prime Minister Modi "holds Manipur in his heart." He pointed out that the annual budget for Manipur has surged from Rs 2,122 crore prior to 2014 to Rs 10,440 crore for 2025-26.
Madhavrao also enumerated various developmental projects, including the establishment of an IIT in Imphal in 2020, the renovation of Imphal's railway station, and the greenlighting of 50 National Highway projects.
"The central government has made strides in education, health, railways, highways, and sports initiatives in Manipur," he stated.
He further mentioned that under the PM Ujjwala Yojana, 2.5 lakh women in Manipur have benefited, alongside the construction of 2.8 lakh toilets under the Swachh Bharat Mission.
"Manipur is Devbhoomi; we should showcase its rich culture and positive contributions to the world," he concluded.
