The ongoing crisis in Manipur has once again become the focal point of heated debates in the Indian Parliament. The Union Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, announced a ₹500-crore financial aid package for the conflict-ridden state, but the move has failed to pacify the Opposition, which has been relentless in its criticism of the government.

From calls for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to concerns over President’s Rule, the issue has triggered fiery exchanges between government and Opposition leaders. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the key developments:

₹500-Crore Corpus for Manipur: Government's Financial Assistance

In an attempt to address the humanitarian crisis and economic distress in Manipur, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, while presenting the state’s budget, announced a ₹500-crore relief package. The total expenditure outlay for Manipur in the 2025-26 budget stands at ₹35,104 crore, with ₹157 crore specifically allocated for relief and rehabilitation of internally displaced persons (IDPs).

Sitharaman emphasized that law and order in the state has significantly improved, and the Centre is committed to supporting the region’s recovery. However, this claim has been met with skepticism by the Opposition.

Opposition's Criticism: ‘PM Modi Has Not Visited Manipur’

Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi spearheaded the Opposition’s attack on the government, questioning why Prime Minister Modi has not yet visited Manipur despite the prolonged crisis. Opposition leaders accused the BJP of overlooking the state's suffering while the PM made foreign trips, including a recent visit to Mauritius.

"When 750 people died in 1993, even then-Prime Minister Narsimha Rao didn’t visit Manipur," Sitharaman countered, arguing that the government is doing more than previous administrations to handle the situation.

Meanwhile, Congress leader Alfred Arthur stated in the Lok Sabha, “Building India also includes building Manipur,” implying that the state has been neglected.

President’s Rule in Manipur: Controversy Over Constitutional Imposition

The imposition of President’s Rule in Manipur has become a major flashpoint in parliamentary discussions. BJP leaders defended the decision, stating that it was necessary to stabilize the state and prevent further violence.

However, Opposition leaders, including Gogoi, accused the government of using President’s Rule as a political tool instead of finding a real solution to the crisis. Trinamool Congress (TMC) MPs demanded fresh assembly elections in Manipur, asserting that the people should be given the power to decide their future.

BJP’s Biplab Deb refuted the claims, stating that President’s Rule was imposed out of necessity and not force. The Economic Times reported that the BJP government in the Centre firmly believes this move was essential to ensure governance in a volatile situation.

Fiery Exchanges in Parliament: Sitharaman vs. Gogoi

The Lok Sabha session was marked by a war of words between Sitharaman and Gogoi. The Congress MP accused the government of financial mismanagement in Manipur, while Sitharaman hit back, stating that the Centre was providing all necessary financial assistance.

The clash disrupted parliamentary proceedings, with multiple adjournments. Reports from Mid-Day and NDTV highlighted how the heated debate led to major disruptions in the house.

The Larger Political Battle Over Manipur

The Manipur crisis is no longer just a regional issue—it has become a battleground for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, with both BJP and the Opposition trying to position themselves as the true saviors of the northeastern state.

The Congress and other Opposition parties are determined to keep the pressure on Modi, while the BJP is focusing on its narrative of restoring peace and stability through governance.

As the budget session continues, it remains to be seen whether the government’s financial aid and assurances will be enough to address the deep-rooted issues in Manipur or if the Opposition will succeed in forcing a more significant political response.

Conclusion

Manipur’s ongoing turmoil has reignited a fierce political debate in India. While financial aid and governance promises have been made, the larger concerns of justice, security, and political accountability remain unresolved. With calls growing for Modi to visit the state and demands for fresh elections intensifying, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining how the government and Opposition navigate this crisis.

The people of Manipur, caught in the crossfire of politics, continue to wait for lasting peace and stability. Will the Centre’s efforts be enough, or will the Opposition's relentless pressure push for a more substantial intervention? Only time will tell.