The BJP and Congress engaged in war of words on Monday as Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a two-day visit to Russia and Rahul Gandhi traveled to Manipur and the flood-affected state of Assam.
Congress criticized the Prime Minister, pointing out that while Rahul Gandhi is making his third visit to Manipur since the outbreak of violence in May last year, the PM has neither taken the time nor shown any inclination to visit the state, even for a brief period.
“Today, the non-biological PM goes to Moscow while the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha heads for Assam and Manipur. Of course, the drumbeaters of the non-biological PM have claimed that he stopped the Russia-Ukraine war for some time. Presumably, this Moscow trip will lead to even more bizarre claims,” Congress leader Jairam Ramesh stated in an X post.
Ramesh noted Rahul’s dedication to Manipur, highlighting that this marks his third visit since the state’s crisis began fourteen months ago.
“The non-biological PM has not found the time nor even had the inclination to visit Manipur even for a few hours after the grave crisis erupted on May 3rd, 2023. He has not even met the CM of the state – who happens to be from his own party – and other political leaders of the state including MLAs and MPs.”
In response, the BJP accused Congress and Rahul Gandhi of engaging in “sick tragedy tourism” during his visits to Manipur and Assam.
“The ethnic conflict in Manipur is a legacy of the Congress party,” Malviya said.
He further mentioned that during Congress rule, the state witnessed the killing of civilians, police, and Army personnel for decades. “In 1990, 300 people were killed. 1100 people died in 1993. 400 were killed in 1997. In 2001, 95 people died. 140 people were killed in 2003. In 2006, 105 people died. 200 people were killed in 2008. In 2010, 220 people died and 165 people died in 2012.”
“Forget third time fail Rahul Gandhi, did any Congress leader, including Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who was a member of Rajya Sabha from Assam, visit the strife-torn region? Balak Buddhi is simply indulging in sick tragedy tourism,” he added.