‘Compelled to move no-confidence motion to end PM Modi’s vow of silence’: Congress’ Gaurav Gogoi

He added the BJP government “failed” Manipur, where hundreds have died ever since the ethnic violence first erupted in the Northeastern state on May 3. “The Prime Minister will have to accept that his double-engine government, his government in Manipur has failed. That is why, 150 people died in Manipur, around 5,000 houses were torched, around 60,000 people are in relief camps and around 6,500 FIRs were registered,” Gogoi said. “The CM of the state, who should have created an atmosphere of talks, of peace and harmony, has taken instigating steps in the past 2-3 days that have created tension in society.”

The lower house witnessed heated exchanges between the opposition and treasury benches after Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi wondered aloud why Rahul Gandhi’s name as lead speaker was withdrawn at the last minute.

Gogoi questioned the prime minister’s decision of not going to Manipur when Rahul Gandhi as well as Union Home Minister Amit Shah and the Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai all visited the northeastern state rocked by violent clashes.

“Why did he (PM Modi) take about 80 days to speak on Manipur and just spoke for 30 seconds. After that there has been no peace appeal on Manipur from him. Ministers are saying they will speak, but as PM, the power of his words cannot be matched by the ministers,” Gogoi said.

Gogoi rued that it is a matter of grave concern that a government which talks about “one India has created two Manipurs — one living in hills and the other in the valley”.