• Source:JND
Add as a preferred

JE News Desk: In a contrasting view from her party, Manipur BJP Chief A Sharda Devi on Saturday appreciated Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for visiting violence-hit Manipur and asserted that the "issue should not be politicised". BJP, earlier in the day, criticised Rahul Gandhi's visit to Manipur and termed his visit as a "photo opportunity".  

"In the current situation, I appreciate Rahul Gandhi's visit to the state. However, the focus should be on solving the situation and bringing back peace. The issue should not be politicised," Sharda Devi said, as quoted by ANI.

Rahul Gandhi on Thursday visited the violence-hit state. He also met state Governor Anusuiya Uikey and said that Manipur needs peace, adding that he would do whatever he can to restore peace in the state.

"Manipur needs peace. I want peace to be restored here. I visited some relief camps, and there are deficiencies in these relief camps, the government should work on this. I'm ready to do whatever I can for the peace of the state," Rahul Gandhi had said as quoted by ANI.

Speaking about people extending support to chief minister N Biren Singh, who was tipped to resign from his post, Sharda said that people of the state have faith in the chief minister, assuring that situation will return to normal soon.

"The people have come out supporting the Chief Minister because they have faith that situation will improve. People believe that if the situation is not controlled this time, it might go out of hand. The current situation in the state is the result of the doings of the previous government. The public has full trust in CM Biren's government," she said.

Taking a jibe at Rahul Gandhi over his visit, Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar said that the Congress leader engages in what he called "vulture tourism." Chandrasekhar accused Gandhi of visiting places where people are suffering, instead of actively addressing long-standing issues in those societies

"I find that Rahul Gandhi always has this habit of making these visits almost look like a vulture tourist goes and travels places where suffering is going on. Instead of contributing to decades of tension in some societies that have been ignored by years under the previous government, he goes there for a little tourism vulture visit," Rajeev Chandrasekhar said.

"I don't want to comment too much about it. I certainly think that all want peace to be restored. The state government does not like violence in Manipur and I hope that Rahul Gandhi is happy with his photo op today and goes back to doing what he does for his foreign holidays," he said.

Ethnic clashes broke out in the State nearly two months ago on May 3 after clashes erupted during a rally organised by the All Tribal Students Union (ATSU) to protest against the demand for the inclusion of Meiteis in the list of Scheduled Tribes (STs).

 

(With Agency Inputs)

Also In News