Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Monday expressed deep displeasure over Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi’s behavior in the Lok Sabha. Reacting to a recent political exchange, Singh said he felt “ashamed” that Gogoi, a prominent Congress MP, hails from the Northeast region.
This remark came in response to Gogoi’s sharp criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP-led Central government during a fiery debate in Parliament. The heated words exchanged in the House have triggered strong reactions from leaders across the political spectrum.
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Speaking at a press conference in Imphal, N Biren Singh didn’t mince his words. “It pains me deeply to say this, but I feel truly ashamed that Gaurav Gogoi is from the Northeast,” he stated. “When our region is progressing, we expect our representatives to stand for truth and unity, not create more rifts.”
Gaurav Gogoi, the Congress MP from Assam’s Kaliabor constituency, has been vocal in raising issues related to the violence in Manipur and the Centre’s alleged inaction. His criticism often targets the BJP governments in both the state and the Centre. Recently, during the debate on the no-confidence motion in Parliament, he accused the government of “silence” on the Manipur crisis and suggested that the BJP had failed the people of the Northeast.
Singh countered these remarks strongly, accusing Gogoi of exploiting sensitive issues for political mileage. He argued that Gogoi’s words not only hurt the image of the Northeast but also misrepresent the ground realities in Manipur.
The Manipur Chief Minister questioned Gogoi’s commitment to regional unity. “If someone from our region speaks so negatively about fellow Northeasterners and our challenges, it reflects poorly on all of us,” Singh said. “He has no right to speak on behalf of the Northeast if he chooses political ambition over truth.”
Singh also claimed that Gogoi had shown no empathy for the victims of violence in Manipur. “I haven’t seen him come here or try to understand what the state has been through. Instead, he speaks in air-conditioned chambers, far away from the ground reality,” Singh remarked.
This isn’t the first time the two leaders have clashed over the handling of the Manipur situation. Gogoi has consistently demanded that Prime Minister Modi break his silence and personally intervene in restoring peace in the troubled state. Singh, however, has defended both his administration and the Centre, arguing that “substantial efforts have been made” and that political interference only escalates tension.
Leaders from the Congress have defended Gogoi, calling N Biren Singh’s remark an insult to the democratic right to question those in power. “Calling someone an embarrassment for exercising their right to hold the government accountable is undemocratic,” a senior Congress leader from Assam said.
Meanwhile, civil society groups and local intellectuals in the Northeast are divided over the controversy. Some believe Singh’s comment was personal and unnecessary, while others agree that regional representatives must not misrepresent the situation for political gain.
Political analysts note that this sharp exchange is a reflection of the deepening divide between the BJP and the Congress in the Northeast ahead of key elections. The BJP has made considerable inroads in the region, while the Congress is attempting to regain lost ground by highlighting administrative failures, especially in handling crises like the ongoing Manipur violence.
In the midst of political heat, ground realities in Manipur remain tense. Though incidents of violence have reduced, mistrust among communities continues. Over 180 people have lost their lives since the conflict broke out between the Meitei and Kuki groups in May 2023. Thousands remain displaced, and the situation still demands cautious handling.
As national leaders debate in Parliament and state leaders defend their stands, the people of Manipur wait for a return to normalcy. Singh reiterated his government’s commitment to ensuring peace and said that politics should not hinder the healing process.
“This is not the time for blame games. We must stand together as Northeasterners and show the country that we can overcome challenges unitedly,” Singh said.
The controversy surrounding Gaurav Gogoi and N Biren Singh highlights how regional representation in national politics can become a point of tension. While criticism is part of a healthy democracy, the line between constructive debate and personal attack often gets blurred.
The Northeast, with its diverse communities and long history of being politically overlooked, now finds itself at the center of national conversations. It is essential that its representatives, regardless of party affiliation, uphold the dignity and unity of the region while performing their democratic duties.
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