Priyanka Gandhi said the two-year delay broke tradition of PMs visiting troubled regions to offer reassurance
New Delhi
Congress leaders Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Mallikarjun Kharge on Saturday criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for visiting Manipur only after two years of ethnic violence in the state.
Speaking at a tribute event for former PM Rajiv Gandhi in New Delhi, Priyanka Gandhi said she was “glad” that Modi finally decided to visit but added the delay was “very unfortunate.” She noted that numerous people suffered and lost their lives during the period of unrest. “He has allowed what is happening there to happen for so long. That has not been the tradition of Prime Ministers in India. No matter the party, they would visit places of pain and suffering promptly,” she said.
Kharge, the Congress MP and party leader in Parliament, echoed her criticism, asserting that timely visits by leaders are essential to show concern for affected citizens and to monitor the ground situation. He said the delay raised questions about the government’s sensitivity to crises in northeastern states.
Priyanka Gandhi highlighted that the two-year delay violated a longstanding precedent of Indian Prime Ministers visiting regions in turmoil to extend reassurance and support. She stressed that leadership involves responding swiftly to public distress, and any delay undermines trust in governance.
The comments come as Modi made his first visit to Manipur since ethnic clashes erupted over two years ago, underlining ongoing political debates about responsiveness and administrative accountability in crisis-hit areas.
