Congress MP Rahul Gandhi embarked on a visit to Assam and Manipur on Monday to assess the ongoing flood and violence situations in the Northeastern states. Arriving in Silchar, Rahul Gandhi was welcomed by Congress leaders from Assam and Manipur at the airport before proceeding to interact with flood-affected individuals in Fulertal, Cachar district. This visit marks his first trip to the Northeast since assuming the role of Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha.
Assam is currently grappling with severe floods caused by incessant rainfall, resulting in landslides and overflowing rivers. Approximately 22.70 lakh people across 28 districts have been affected by the deluge, with reports indicating 78 casualties due to floods, landslides, and storms.
From Assam, Rahul Gandhi is scheduled to travel to Manipur’s Jiribam district, where ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities has persisted since May 3 last year, claiming over 200 lives. His visit aims to assess the humanitarian situation and engage with local communities and authorities to understand the ground realities.
The visit has sparked a political debate between the Congress and BJP. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his scheduled visit to Russia, highlighting his absence in Manipur amid the ongoing crisis. In response, BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya accused Rahul Gandhi of engaging in “sick tragedy tourism,” attributing the ethnic conflict in Manipur to the Congress’s historical governance.
The flood situation in Assam remains critical, with nine rivers, including the Brahmaputra and Barak, flowing above the danger mark in several districts. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has been actively visiting flood relief camps to oversee relief operations and assess the impact of the floods on affected communities.
Rahul Gandhi’s visit underscores the pressing need for humanitarian assistance and political engagement in addressing the crises facing Assam and Manipur, amidst ongoing challenges and political repercussions.
