BJP defends Modi’s commitment to Manipur amid opposition criticism

The Rajya Sabha on Monday witnessed a heated debate over the ongoing ethnic violence in Manipur, with the Opposition accusing the government of mishandling the crisis and failing to show adequate concern, while the BJP reiterated that the state remains a priority for Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

During the discussion, Congress MP Shaktisinh Gohil stressed the importance of a united approach to resolving the conflict.

“The pain of Manipur is the pain of the entire nation. The message should go out that every corner of India matters,” he stated, urging the Prime Minister to visit the state as a show of solidarity.

Gohil pointed out that over 60,000 people had been displaced and hundreds had lost their lives over the last 21 months. He criticized the decision to allocate Rs 2,866 crore from Manipur’s budget for police incentives in sensitive areas, arguing that these funds should have come from the central government. He also raised concerns over the meager Rs 100 crore allocated for relief efforts in a state suffering such large-scale displacement.

Trinamool Congress MP Sushmita Dev, meanwhile, highlighted the severe impact of prolonged restrictions, noting that Manipur endured an internet shutdown for 212 days.

Countering the Opposition’s remarks, BJP MP Ajit Madhavrao emphasized that Prime Minister Modi remains deeply committed to Manipur’s welfare.

“Manipur is in the heart of Prime Minister Modi,” Madhavrao asserted, citing the substantial rise in the state’s annual budget from Rs 2,122 crore before 2014 to Rs 10,440 crore in 2025-26.

He further detailed multiple development initiatives undertaken by the Centre, including the establishment of an IIT in Imphal in 2020, upgrades to the Imphal railway station, and the approval of 50 National Highway projects to improve connectivity.

“The central government has invested in education, health, infrastructure, and sports in Manipur,” he added.

Madhavrao also highlighted that 2.5 lakh women in the state have benefited from the PM Ujjwala Yojana, while 2.8 lakh toilets have been built under the Swachh Bharat Mission.

Calling Manipur ‘Devbhoomi,’ he urged the country to recognize and celebrate the state’s rich cultural heritage and contributions