New Delhi – The political battle over the Manipur crisis intensified as BJP chief JP Nadda and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge exchanged sharp words through letters addressed to President Droupadi Murmu. Both leaders outlined their views on the deteriorating situation in the northeastern state, which has been plagued by inter-communal clashes since May 2023.
Congress Blames BJP for Governance Failures
In a two-page letter to the President, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge criticized the Centre and the Manipur government for their “failure” to restore peace. Kharge alleged that over 300 lives, including women and children, have been lost, with nearly a lakh people displaced due to ongoing violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities.
Calling for the President’s intervention, Kharge wrote, “It is constitutionally imperative for you to ensure the protection of lives and properties in Manipur.” He accused the BJP of “deliberate inaction” and highlighted the plight of displaced families forced to live in relief camps.
BJP Hits Back: Congress’s “Nefarious Agenda”
Responding to Kharge’s claims, BJP president JP Nadda dismissed the Congress’s accusations as “politically motivated.” In a three-page letter, Nadda defended the government’s efforts to stabilize the region and alleged that Congress’s policies during its tenure had sown the seeds of instability in Manipur.
“Manipur is reeling from the consequences of Congress’s abject failure to address local issues during its rule. Your government legitimized illegal migration and allowed militant groups to flourish,” Nadda wrote. He further accused Congress leaders of exploiting the northeastern crisis for political mileage, calling it a “dangerous trend.”
Manipur Crisis: A Deepening Divide
Manipur has seen waves of violence since May 2023, with over 200 people killed and 60,000 displaced. The conflict has reignited old ethnic tensions between the Meitei and Kuki communities, with both sides accusing each other of aggression.
While the BJP highlights its development efforts under the Modi government, including economic growth and security initiatives, Congress blames the ruling party for mishandling the volatile situation.
Political Ramifications
The exchange of letters reflects the broader political battle between BJP and Congress ahead of the upcoming elections. Both parties are leveraging the Manipur crisis to shape narratives about governance and accountability.
