NEW DELHI (Reuters) – Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi easily defeated a vote of no-confidence taken by the opposition over his handling of a deadly ethnic conflict in Manipur. In a two-hour speech, Modi dismissed the move as a vain attempt to “defame India”.
Violence has escalated in Manipur since May, resulting in over 180 deaths, hundreds of wounded individuals, and tens of thousands of people rendered homeless. However, Modi did not publicly address the conflict until last month.
The no-confidence vote, initiated by a new opposition alliance called “INDIA” led by the Congress, was expected to be easily defeated. Opposition lawmakers walked out of the legislature in protest even before the motion was put to vote.
Modi’s failure to address the ethnic conflict in a state governed by his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has garnered criticism. Critics argue that it reinforces the perception that the party and its Hindu nationalist constituency prioritize their own interests over domestic matters.
“They love to defame India, they have no faith in the people of India, in the abilities of India,” said Modi in his 130-minute speech filled with nationalism and rhetorical flourishes. BJP lawmakers applauded and cheered him, chanting “Modi, Modi”.
In what resembled an election speech at the end of a three-day parliamentary debate, Modi highlighted his nine years in power’s achievements and scrutinized his opponents’ record. The main target of his attacks was the Congress, seen as the biggest threat to his BJP.
This stand-off has heightened the political tension eight months before the national elections scheduled for April-May 2024, in the world’s largest democracy and one of the fastest-growing economies. Surveys indicate that Modi remains highly popular and is expected to win a third term.
On Wednesday, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticized Modi’s handling of Manipur, accusing his government of dividing, breaking, and burning the state. Opposition lawmakers repeatedly called out “Manipur, Manipur” during Modi’s speech, urging him to address the issue.
Gandhi entered parliament about 75 minutes into Modi’s speech, and the entire opposition walked out approximately 15 minutes later. According to a Congress statement, the INDIA alliance walked out because Modi was “evading and denying justice to Manipur and disregarding other pressing issues in the country”.
Modi finally spoke about Manipur after the opposition’s departure, expressing hope for peace in the state. He appealed to the people of Manipur, assuring them that the nation and the parliament stand with them and are committed to finding a solution.
Modi’s interior minister, Amit Shah, blamed the unrest in Myanmar for the ethnic conflict in neighboring Manipur and encouraged both sides to resolve the dispute through dialogue.
Gilles Verniers, a senior fellow at New Delhi’s Centre for Policy Research, viewed the no-confidence vote as a demonstration of opposition parties working together and displaying their power, rather than a significant blow to Modi’s political standing.
(Reporting by YP Rajesh; Editing by Conor Humphries)
Credit: The Star : News Feed
