Rahul Gandhi’s Humanitarian Visit Sparks Controversy Amidst Assam and Manipur Relief Efforts

In a recent visit that has stirred significant controversy, Congress MP and Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi met with flood victims in Assam and visited relief camps in Manipur on Monday. This marks his third visit to the strife-torn state of Manipur, where he has been actively engaging with people living in relief camps to address their concerns.

Congress used this opportunity to criticize Prime Minister Narendra Modi, claiming that he has not paid a single visit to Manipur amidst the ongoing crisis. Rahul Gandhi’s continued presence in the state has been highlighted as a contrast to the Prime Minister’s absence.

However, Assam Water Resources Minister Pijush Hazarika cautioned the media against spreading what he termed as a ‘fake agenda’ regarding Rahul Gandhi’s visit. Hazarika emphasized that contrary to some reports, Rahul Gandhi did not visit any flood relief camps or flood-affected areas in Assam.

“Members of the media are requested to kindly verify WhatsApp forwards, social media information/propaganda before posting,” the Assam Minister wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

The controversy was sparked by a tweet from journalist Tamal Saha, who runs a YouTube channel. Saha’s tweet included photos of Rahul Gandhi with flood-affected families, stating, “Rahul Gandhi with the victims of Assam Floods at Hmar relief camp in Fulertal in Assam. More than 70 people have lost their lives, lakhs rendered homeless.”

On the same day, Rahul Gandhi visited relief camps in Manipur’s Jiribam and Churachandpur districts, interacting with those displaced by the year-long ethnic violence. Congress and its leaders have been actively sharing photos of Rahul Gandhi’s outreach efforts in both Assam and Manipur, highlighting the humane aspect of his visits.

The confusion appears to stem from an itinerary shared by the Congress party’s X handle, which stated that Rahul Gandhi would begin his visit by attending a relief camp at Thalai, a youth care center in Fulertal, Assam. This itinerary likely contributed to the mix-up.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi departed for a three-day trip to Russia and Austria on the same morning. Congress was quick to criticize the Prime Minister’s foreign visit, with Jairam Ramesh commenting, “Prime Minister goes to Moscow while Rahul Gandhi heads for Assam and Manipur.”

This incident underscores the ongoing political tensions and the scrutiny surrounding the leaders’ actions during times of crisis. As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how both parties will navigate the complex landscape of public perception and media representation.