New Delhi: Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “silence” on the ethnic violence in Manipur during a session at the Delhi Assembly Thursday. He accused Modi of being hesitant to address significant issues since taking office.
The AAP convener categorically listed incidents that occurred in the northeastern state, highlighting that despite more than 300 religious sites being burned down, the Prime Minister remained silent.
“People do not remember the Prime Minister on a daily basis, they remember him when all systems fail, and hope that the PM will save them. For those three women, all systems had failed,” said Kejriwal.
The Delhi CM questioned why the Prime Minister, “at the very least,” didn’t make an appeal to the people of Manipur to maintain peace. He mentioned the controversial video depicting three women in the state being sexually assaulted and paraded naked by a mob of men.
Further, he drew parallels with the wrestlers’ protest—regarding allegations of sexual harassment by BJP MP Brij Bhushan Singh—where PM Modi failed to provide assurance and remained silent.
“If the Prime Minister remains silent on major issues, then the market of rumours starts to grow,” Kejriwal added.
Earlier in the day, three Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLAs were marshalled out of the House after they objected to discussing the situation in Manipur, asserting that it was a matter beyond the jurisdiction of the Assembly.
“The remaining BJP MLAs left the assembly after stating that Manipur was not a relevant issue. This is a message from PM Modi to the entire BJP that they have nothing to do with Manipur,” Kejriwal retorted.
Led by Leader of the Opposition Ramvir Singh Bidhuri, the BJP MLAs proceeded to protest outside the Delhi Assembly, demanding that discussions should focus on topics pertinent to the national capital.
Bidhuri told news agency ANI that the situation in Manipur had been discussed during the recently-concluded monsoon session of Parliament, and thus, the matter was not applicable to the Delhi legislative assembly.
“Only issues relevant to Delhi can be discussed in the legislative assembly. They (AAP) don’t hold discussions on such issues, and run away from it. And if we push for a discussion, they marshall us out,” Bidhuri stated.