Why Rahul Gandhi’s Visit To Manipur Is Important - 5 Straight Reasons

The Opposition in any and every country is in place to question the government, fill in the gaps provided by inaction and bad governance, and reach out to the people in distress. This is mandatory and it is true that for a long time the Opposition in India, more since the BJP came to power under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, became more diffident, more disparate, more disconnected and hence more ineffective.

There seems to be a change ushered in by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi who is now the acclaimed leader of his party, with no murmurings or criticism from within. He has achieved this over the past one year, but clearly not without effort and perseverance marking the period before. In a definitive bid to fill in the slot of Opposition, as per the Constitution and good traditions and norms he is seeking to fill in the gaps, take on the government, interact with the people, and make the Congress an effective Opposition.

The visit to Manipur thus, was expected. In fact, if he had not visited the state burning since May 2 political writers like me would have had to revise the above two paragraphs and raise a different set of questions. For then his sincerity and ability would have come under a question mark, whereas now he has managed to put the spotlights on the Prime Minister’s silence and the Manipur Chief Ministers visible ineptitude.

Rahul Gandhi took a tough journey as he was not welcomed by the BJP government, and as per the Congress party briefings was not allowed to interact freely with the people. He was not allowed to proceed by road to Churachandpur with the police citing security concerns after his convoy was stopped 20 km into the journey. And took a helicopter instead where he visited the relief camps and listened to the people, who had lost their homes, seen their loved ones killed in front of their eyes, as tears streamed down their stoic cheeks. Many speaking to the media who finally woke up to the Manipur crisis, spoke of those who had fled to neighbouring states, of pregnant women, of families with children. And almost all asked why the Prime Minister had remained silent. And why the violence was being allowed to continue two months on, with no safety assurances, no security and no rehabilitation efforts.

Why indeed is the question all concerned persons are asking. And while answers and stories and conspiracy theories abound, it was refreshing and reassuring to see the leader of India’s main opposition parties in Manipur, speaking to the people, holding their hand, and sending out a message that the north east state is not isolated, and India indeed cares. This is an important message, particularly in areas such as the north east where there is always an undercurrent of isolation, and where the distance from Delhi is felt in more ways than one.

Rahul Gandhi did not delve into politics, did not blame or attack any one, and did what he likes to do - listen. As a result some might ask what has he achieved, but it is precisely through this manner and attitude, and the visit per se that the Congress has gained politically. It must be mentioned here that — a stupid assertion really but necessary in these times of ignorance — just as the success of a journalist visiting a trouble spot is determined by the published story, the success of a politician's visit is eventually assessed by the political dividends he or she is able to reap. Neither of us are missionaries.

So what has Rahul Gandhi’s visit to Manipur achieved politically? Five straight points:

- The very fact that he is the first politician to visit Manipur burning since May 3 has gone home. It is an extremely positive signal for the people of Manipur, as it has dented their feeling of isolation which is extremely important in areas of conflict where rumours spread and violence continues precisely because of this isolation.

- Without having to say a word, he has shown up the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for not caring, for not stepping in, for not calling for peace. The very fact that he could travel to the state, and inside Manipur, despite hurdles is a potent message for all people of the state - valley and hills – who have been hurt and displaced by the violence. At the end of the day all residents feel the fires that cross intended boundaries with ease. This will increase the Congress support base without doubt.

- As Manipur has been an issue that struck a chord in the rest of India, Rahul Gandhi has added to his Bharat Jodo Yatra image of a caring and courageous leader. A determined and brave man who faces the odds and the challenges without blinking an eye. By the way this is largely why his popularity ratings even in suspect polls have gone up substantially.

- The visit to the spot will add to the credibility of future interventions by the Congress party on Manipur and the North East. In Parliament and in the other states in the north east where the Congress has lost considerable ground over the past years.

- The work done by the BJP to gain support in the north east over the past ten years, and establish its presence rather successfully, might now just be unraveling. Apart from the BJP now and the regional parties, the Congress is the only mainstream opposition with a presence in the region and this visit by Rahul Gandhi will have an impact not just in Manipur but all the neigbouring states. Politically and electorally.