Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, criticizing his visit to Manipur as opportunistic. Kharge accused Modi of selectively engaging with the northeastern state, alleging that the Prime Minister only showed up seeking votes but was conspicuously absent during periods of ethnic violence. Employing a colloquial expression, Kharge stated, “Wo samandar ke upar sair karta firta hai aur baithe jagah jap karte rehte hein Ram Ram” (‘He wanders around on the sea, chanting prayers while sitting in a comfortable place, saying Ram Ram’), underscoring the perceived inconsistency in Modi’s response to Manipur’s challenges.
Kharge further emphasized his disapproval, cautioning against using religion for political gains with the phrase “Mukh mein Ram, bagal mein choori” (‘Ram on the lips, a dagger hidden by the side’). He urged political leaders, particularly those from the BJP, not to exploit religious sentiments to manipulate the electorate. Kharge’s criticism highlighted the sensitive issue of religious mixing in politics and the potential consequences on public sentiment.
The Congress President expressed concern for the people of Manipur, asserting that while everyone has faith in God, leveraging it for electoral purposes is unacceptable. Kharge’s remarks aimed to draw attention to what he perceives as a disregard for the genuine concerns of the Manipuri people in favor of political posturing during election campaigns.
Kharge’s statement on January 14 reflected the broader political discourse, emphasizing the need for leaders to address the immediate challenges faced by the people rather than using religious appeals solely for political advantage. The critique contributed to the ongoing debate about the intersection of religion and politics in India and its impact on governance and public perception.