DIMAPUR, JULY 13 (MExN): The Congress has termed as “deeply problematic” Union Minister Kiren Rijiju’s reported statement asking the people of the North Eastern Region to be “grateful” to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for basic development and job appointments, saying it exposes the BJP’s “patronizing mindset” towards the region.
In a statement issued by Rajesh Kumar Sethi, National Coordinator, AICC Minority Department and In-charge of Manipur, the party said: “To set the record straight, the Prime Minister of India is not doing a favour to the Northeast; he is simply performing his constitutional duty. Roads, jobs, connectivity, drinking water, and security are not gifts from the ruling party, they are entitlements of every citizen in a democracy.”
“Should we express gratitude for being given what is already our right? Or should we hold our elected leaders accountable for failing to deliver on promises, especially when they come to power by making grand declarations?” the statement added.
Referring to the unresolved Naga political issue, the party recalled that in 2015, Prime Minister Modi had declared a final Naga peace accord would be concluded within a few months when only 3–4 groups were involved in the talks. “Today, nearly a decade later, the situation has worsened. Instead of peace, there are now 28 groups in the fray, escalating complexity, confusion and division,” it stated.
On the continuing violence in Manipur, the Congress said: “Despite over 200 deaths, thousands displaced, and countless homes and churches burnt, Prime Minister Modi has not set foot in Manipur since the outbreak of violence. Can a region truly feel supported when its cries are met with calculated silence?”
The party also pointed to the recent floods in Dimapur, calling the situation “deeply troubling” with a “complete collapse of basic infrastructure.” It questioned “where is the gratitude supposed to come from, when even basic governance is missing?”
“The Congress Party has always believed in serving people, not seeking applause. We do not expect citizens to thank us for doing our job. We want people to question more, demand better, and receive what they deserve, not crumbs handed out with a photo opportunity,” the statement said.
The party urged people to “reject the culture of manufactured gratitude” and “demand accountable, inclusive and effective governance instead.”
