Congress asks Modi again 'When to Manipur?' as PM embarks on tri-nation tour

**EDS: THIRD PARTY IMAGE** In this image via PMO, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emplanes for his visit to Cyprus, Canada and Croatia, in New Delhi, Sunday, June 15, 2025. (PMO via PTI Photo)(PTI06_15_2025_000019A)

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a tri-nation tour on Sunday, the Congress party targeted him over Manipur violence again and charged the prime minister lacked empathy.

 

Criticising Modi's tour to Cyprus, Canada and Croatia, the Congress said India-Canada ties have deteriorated. "There was a time when he boasted about his knowledge of algebra by spouting the (a+b)^2 equation as applicable to India and Canada. But things went horribly wrong thereafter. When it appeared that Canada was dragging its feet on the invite to India, Mr Modi's drumbeaters proclaimed that He would not go even if invited.  But like always, he stands exposed," Congress leader Jairam Ramesh tweeted.

 

Taking a dig at the prime minister, Ramesh said Modi should correct his Canadian counterpart's statement that India is world's fifth largest economy. "The Canadian prime minister has said that India has been invited to the G7 Summit along with a number of other non-G7 countries because India is the fifth largest economy in the world. Perhaps Mr Modi can remind him that according to the Niti Aayog CEO, India became the world's third largest economy on May 24, 2025," he added.

 

 

Charging Modi lacks empathy hence he isn't visiting Manipur, Ramesh said this is the prime minister's 35th foreign visit since violence broke out in Manipur in May 2023. "He has all the energy, excitement, and enthusiasm--the 3 Es-- for such visits. But can he not summon up a 4th E--empathy-- for going to Manipur where the people's distress, agony and suffering continues unabated? He has met with NOBODY from the state, let alone political leaders, since May 3, 2023. Pathetic of the PM to treat Manipur in this awful manner," he charged.

 

The Congress has been demanding the prime minister should visit Manipur ever since ethnic violence broke out in the state. Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi has visited Manipur multiple times since violence broke out.

India