The Belated Voice of Concern on Manipur: A Political Commentary

In politics, silence often speaks louder than words. Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Tejashwi Yadav highlighted this issue by criticizing the delayed remarks of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on the violence in Manipur. Tejashwi Yadav’s critique points out a troubling pattern of silence from top leaders on urgent national problems.
Tejashwi Yadav, the former Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar, was direct in his response to Bhagwat’s comments. He pointed out that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has remained notably silent on several critical issues, including the turmoil in Manipur, the plight of farmers, and the molestation of wrestlers. Tejashwi Yadav’s criticism reflects a broader sentiment of dissatisfaction with the current administration’s handling of crises and its communication with the public.
Mohan Bhagwat’s statement came after a long period of unrest in Manipur, a state that has faced severe violence over the past year. Bhagwat remarked, “Manipur is waiting for peace for the last one year. There was peace in Manipur 10 years ago. It felt like gun culture had finished there. But the state has suddenly seen violence. The situation in Manipur will have to be considered with priority. There is need to get over election rhetoric and focus on problems facing the nation.” While his concern is warranted, the timing of his statement raises questions.
The delay in addressing the violence in Manipur is not just a matter of political oversight; it reflects a deeper issue within the governing bodies. The BJP’s recent losses in Manipur’s parliamentary constituencies, where Congress secured victories in both the Inner and Outer seats, have likely influenced this sudden expression of concern. The electoral outcomes indicate that the BJP’s traditional strategies, including their Hindutva agenda, have not resonated with the voters in Manipur, which has seen support for the Congress rise amidst the Meitei and Kuki communities.
Bhagwat’s statement, coming in the wake of these political losses, suggests a reactive rather than proactive approach to the region’s issues. The violence and unrest in Manipur demand immediate and sustained attention, not just rhetorical acknowledgments. The perception that the BJP and its allies are more concerned with electoral gains than with genuine governance and conflict resolution is damaging. It erodes public trust and highlights a disconnect between the government and the citizens it serves.
Tejashwi Yadav’s remarks bring into focus the necessity for timely and decisive action from political leaders. The silence of Prime Minister Modi on critical issues, as highlighted by Yadav, contrasts sharply with the delayed but eventual comments from Bhagwat. This pattern of delayed responses can be seen as a tactic to avoid political fallout, but it ultimately harms the credibility of those in power.
The situation in Manipur, and the broader issues facing India, require leaders who are willing to engage directly and promptly with the challenges at hand. The role of a leader is not just to govern but to be a voice of reassurance and action in times of crisis. The delayed reaction from Bhagwat and the silence from Modi on various critical issues underline a major gap in this leadership.
As India continues to face various social, political, and economic issues, the need for responsive and responsible leadership becomes ever more critical. Leaders must prioritize the well-being of the nation over political rhetoric and electoral strategy. The situation in Manipur is a stark reminder of the consequences of delayed action and the importance of timely intervention.
In conclusion, the critique by Tejashwi Yadav on the belated remarks by Mohan Bhagwat serves as a crucial reminder to Indian political leaders: timely and genuine engagement with the nation’s issues is not just desirable but essential. The citizens of India deserve leaders who are not only present in times of triumph but also steadfast in times of turmoil.