Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Saturday launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of failing to uphold ‘Rajdharma’ by not visiting strife-torn Manipur even once in the past two years.

In a strongly worded post on X, Kharge said, “Manipur continues to remain troubled for two years without the Prime Minister setting foot on its soil.” He pointed out that ethnic violence first erupted in the state on May 3, 2023, and still shows no signs of abating.

Highlighting the recent unrest, he noted that 25 people were injured just two days ago in a violent clash in Tamenglong district. “More than 260 people have died, 68,000 have been displaced, and thousands are still living in relief camps,” Kharge said.

Taking aim at the Prime Minister’s travel record, the Congress chief said, “Since January 2022, your last election rally in Manipur, you have made 44 foreign visits and 250 domestic visits, yet not a single second has been spent in Manipur. Why this apathy and disdain for the people of the state? Where is the political accountability?”

Kharge also questioned the delay in imposing President’s Rule in the state, alleging that it was only enacted after 20 months and under pressure when the BJP faced a no-confidence motion and internal discord over the chief minister’s post.

“Why did the double-engine government fail in its constitutional duty to protect its citizens? Why wasn’t the Chief Minister removed earlier? Your ‘double assault’ government continues to fail Manipur,” he said, claiming that violence has persisted despite the Home Ministry’s direct control.

The Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha further alleged that the Centre approved President’s Rule “hurriedly at 2 AM” to cover up its “rank incompetence.” He said that the ethnic strife over two years has cost Manipur’s economy thousands of crores in damages.

Kharge also criticized the Centre’s demand for grants for the state, saying it included several cuts to social welfare spending. “What happened to the Peace Committee announced by the Home Minister? Why didn’t you meet the affected people of all communities, even in Delhi? Why wasn’t a special package announced for Manipur?” he asked.

“Modi ji, once again, you have failed in upholding ‘Rajdharma’,” Kharge said.