PM Modi has failed ‘abysmally’ on Manipur, says Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge
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TNN
Congress leaders have launched a scathing critique of the BJP, citing a 'monumental failure' of governance in Manipur and criticizing the Haryana administration's performance. The opposition is demanding accountability for ongoing ethnic violence in Manipur and unfulfilled poll promises in Haryana.
Opposition Escalates Pressure on BJP Governance
The Indian National Congress has intensified its political offensive against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), targeting the central government's handling of the ethnic conflict in Manipur and the local administration's performance in Haryana. As of October 21, 2026, party leaders, led by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, have characterized the current state of governance as a 'monumental failure,' highlighting a growing perception of administrative paralysis in key regions.
The Manipur Crisis: A Call for Accountability
In Manipur, the situation remains dire as violence continues to claim civilian lives, most recently marked by the death of four individuals. Mallikarjun Kharge has directly challenged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah to explain the lack of progress regarding the Peace Committee announced in June 2023. By questioning the implementation of recommendations from the Supreme Court-appointed Justice Gita Mittal Committee, the Congress is attempting to shift the narrative toward a perceived lack of institutional follow-through in resolving the ethnic tensions that have plagued the state since May 2023.
Haryana: The Challenge of Governance and Promises
Simultaneously, the Congress party has utilized the two-year anniversary of the BJP's third term in Haryana to launch a state-wide critique. Senior leaders, including Haryana Congress In-charge Sanjay Dutt, have framed the administration’s tenure as one defined by a disconnect between pre-poll rhetoric and ground realities. The opposition has compiled a list of systemic failures—ranging from deteriorating law and order and rising unemployment to concerns over public healthcare and the prevalence of drug abuse—as central pillars of their anti-incumbency campaign.
Broader Implications for National Security
The critique regarding Manipur carries significant weight due to the state's status as a sensitive border region. The Congress argues that the central government's failure to maintain order in the state is not merely a regional political issue but a broader threat to national security and constitutional integrity. By framing the violence as an 'indictment of governance,' the opposition is attempting to erode the BJP’s long-standing reputation for strong national security management.
Future Political Trends
As the political landscape moves toward future electoral cycles, these dual fronts—Manipur and Haryana—represent a strategic effort by the Congress to consolidate grievances. The effectiveness of this strategy will likely depend on whether the public perceives these 'failures' as systemic or temporary. If the government fails to address the specific policy gaps highlighted—namely the lack of concrete peace-building measures in the Northeast and economic distress in the North—the opposition may successfully leverage this narrative to gain significant political momentum in upcoming discourse.
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