PM Modi Defends Govt in No-Confidence Motion, Assures Manipur of Support
As the motion of no-confidence against his government reached its conclusion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on August 10th, extended his assurance to the people of Manipur, stating that both India and the Parliament stand in solidarity with them. Addressing the Opposition’s concerns, he emphasized that the State and Central governments are actively collaborating to restore peace and facilitate development in Manipur. Amid the walkout staged by the Opposition during his speech, the Prime Minister highlighted his commitment to rectify the issues faced by the state.
The Opposition’s decision to stage a walkout was primarily attributed to Prime Minister Modi’s failure to address the Manipur issue even after 90 minutes into his two-hour speech. Despite this development, the Prime Minister seized the opportunity to reaffirm his support for Manipur. He expressed deep concern over the ongoing violence in the state and condemned crimes against women, stressing that both the Central and State governments are working jointly to ensure that the guilty are held accountable.
Speaking directly to the people of Manipur, the Prime Minister conveyed a message of solidarity and hope. He assured them that peace and development would soon be restored to the state, and he invoked the spirit of collective healing, urging unity in addressing the challenges faced by Manipur.
However, even as he extended this healing touch, Prime Minister Modi emphasized that many of the problems plaguing Manipur did not emerge recently; rather, they were rooted in past administrations, particularly those under the Congress government. He noted that the issues have their origins in the legacy of previous Congress regimes, suggesting that the opposition’s selective outrage was more political than genuine empathy.
The Prime Minister passionately underscored his personal connection to the Northeast, referring to it as a “piece of his heart.” He shared that he had visited the region over 50 times during his tenure and emphasized the importance of the Northeast in the context of a changing global order that would bring the ASEAN region into focus.
In addressing the problems faced by Manipur, Prime Minister Modi delineated the historical context, highlighting the challenges that predate his government’s tenure. He shed light on the times when Manipur was gripped by insurgency, administrative challenges, and even the suppression of cultural practices. The Prime Minister pointedly noted that these issues persisted under Congress leadership, casting doubt on the opposition’s current concerns.
Prime Minister Modi also took the opportunity to criticize the Opposition for using derogatory language and slogans against him. He highlighted their propensity to resort to unseemly tactics for political attacks. Referring to the “INDIA” alliance formed by the Opposition, he termed it “ghamandia” or arrogant, highlighting their refusal to discuss the Manipur issue separately despite the offer by Home Minister Amit Shah.
As the Prime Minister wrapped up his speech, he reiterated his commitment to India’s progress and development. He vowed to ensure that India secures its position as the third-largest economy globally during his third term. In a light-hearted moment, he even invited the Opposition to attempt another no-confidence motion in 2028, humorously referring to the success his party experienced in the wake of such motions in the past.
Prime Minister Modi’s speech, amidst its political dynamics, underlined his commitment to addressing the challenges faced by Manipur. It also showcased his resolve to propel India’s development on the global stage. Despite the Opposition’s walkout, the Prime Minister’s words resonated with the sentiment of unity and progress for the nation.
News Mania Desk / Agnibeena Ghosh 11th August 2023
