As Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepares for a five-nation diplomatic visit, the Congress party launched a fresh attack, accusing him of neglecting urgent domestic issues. The party alleged that PM Modi skips Manipur deliberately, despite the ongoing ethnic unrest in the state, and avoids commenting on former US President Donald Trump’s controversial claim involving India.
Congress referred to Modi as a “frequent flier” who “runs from headlines” instead of addressing ground realities.
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Congress Questions PM’s Priorities
In a strongly worded statement on Monday, Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate criticized the Prime Minister’s travel plans. She questioned Modi’s silence on the escalating violence in Manipur, where fresh tensions and displacements continue to plague local communities.
Shrinate also slammed the government for not addressing Trump’s claim during a campaign rally, where the former US President stated that India and other countries were “taking advantage of the US.”
She asked, “Why has the Prime Minister not visited Manipur even once? Why is he silent on Donald Trump’s statements? Is it easier to shake hands abroad than solve crises at home?”
Modi’s 5-Nation Visit Begins
Modi’s upcoming tour includes visits to Russia, Austria, and three other countries, focusing on defense, energy, and economic cooperation. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the trip will strengthen bilateral ties and advance India’s global positioning.
However, opposition leaders claim this timing reveals Modi’s attempt to distract from growing criticism at home. Congress argued that while foreign policy is important, national crises require the Prime Minister’s personal intervention.
Manipur Unrest Enters Critical Phase
Violence in Manipur has continued since May 2023, with over 200 deaths and thousands displaced due to ethnic clashes. Civil society groups and political observers have repeatedly urged Modi to visit the conflict-hit state and initiate reconciliation.
Despite multiple appeals, PM Modi skips Manipur again, choosing instead to focus on international engagements. Congress alleges this is a pattern that reflects a deeper unwillingness to confront uncomfortable realities.
Trump Row Adds to Pressure
Adding to the controversy is Trump’s recent remark during a rally in Florida. The former US President accused India of manipulating trade deals and not contributing fairly during his tenure.
Congress believes that Modi’s silence may appear weak diplomatically. “Why hasn’t the MEA issued a strong statement? Why is Modi, the self-proclaimed global statesman, not responding?” Shrinate asked.
This issue has triggered debate over India’s diplomatic posture and its willingness to respond to criticism from global leaders.
BJP Defends the Prime Minister
Meanwhile, BJP leaders defended Modi, saying that the Prime Minister remains fully aware of the Manipur situation. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, responding to media queries, said, “It’s wrong to say the Prime Minister is ignoring Manipur. He has held multiple high-level meetings. Deployment of forces and aid continues.”
On the Trump matter, BJP called the Congress reaction “an attempt to provoke international embarrassment.” They insisted that foreign policy should not be politicized for electoral gain.
Modi’s Travel Record Under Scrutiny
Opposition leaders have long criticized Modi’s frequent international travel. According to data from the MEA, the Prime Minister has made over 60 foreign visits since 2014.
Congress has dubbed him the “PR Prime Minister,” often choosing grand optics over grassroots governance. The “frequent flier” jibe resurfaced this week with Congress posting graphics showing Modi’s trips abroad alongside key domestic flashpoints.
Citizens Question Government’s Focus
Social media users and commentators joined the debate, with many asking why the Prime Minister avoids visiting conflict zones within the country. Several users posted messages with the hashtag #PMModiSkipManipur, demanding accountability.
A retired bureaucrat wrote, “International diplomacy is vital, but not at the cost of ignoring a humanitarian crisis at home.”
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Political Implications Ahead of Assembly Polls
With assembly elections approaching in key states, this narrative may gain traction. Congress plans to raise the PM Modi skips Manipur issue during campaigns, particularly in the Northeast, where voter sentiments are already fragile.
Party insiders confirmed that the issue would feature in their campaign speeches and manifestos to underline what they call “governmental apathy.”
As Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarks on a five-nation foreign visit, the Congress party escalates its criticism, alleging that he is avoiding urgent domestic issues. The claim that PM Modi skips Manipur, paired with silence on the Trump controversy, has given fresh ammunition to the opposition.
While the government defends Modi’s diplomatic focus, public sentiment appears divided. For now, India watches as its leader continues his global outreach, while domestic fires still burn.
