Patna (Bihar): Bharatiya Janata Party MP Ravi Shankar Prasad on Monday criticized Congress MP and Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi for visiting Manipur and said he is trying to politicize the issue. He said that as Rahul Gandhi has become a Leader of the Opposition, he is expected to behave responsibly.
He further stated that there is a need to minimize the distance between the two communities, Meitei and Kuki, and Manipur needs ointments.
Speaking with ANI, Prasad said, "Manipur is a sensitive issue. Everyone should make efforts to bring peace there. Rahul Gandhi is politicizing this issue. Lok Sabha elections are over. Manipur needs ointments. There is a need to minimize the distance between the two communities."
"What ruckus was created in the Parliament by them (Congress)? They did not let the Prime Minister answer in the new Parliament. Rahul Gandhi is now the leader of the opposition and we expect some responsibility from him. Home Minister Amit Shah and Nityanand Rai were in Manipur for various days and we are constantly trying to resolve the issues. Whenever such efforts are put in, Rahul Gandhi tries to create tension again and again. This is very sad to see; Rahul Gandhi should behave responsibly," said Prasad.
Earlier in the day, Congress MP and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi reached Imphal to meet the victims of violence at the relief camps in the state.
The Congress leader arrived at the Imphal airport earlier this afternoon to visit relief camps and will call upon Manipur Governor Anusuiya Uikey this evening.
He is scheduled to meet Governor Anusuiya Uikey, after which he will address a press conference at the Manipur Congress office at 6.15 pm.
Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi visited the Jiribam Higher Secondary School relief camp and offered support to the victims of violence there.
The official handle of the Congress party took to a microblogging site and posted on X, "LoP Rahul Gandhi visits Jiribam Higher Secondary School relief camp, meets victims of violence and offers support in their darkest hour. His third visit to Manipur post-violence shows his unwavering commitment to the people's cause."
Rahul Gandhi also visited the relief camp at Sadbhavna Mandap, in Tuibong, Churachandpur district in Manipur.
—ANI