A now-deleted tweet by senior Congress leader P Chidambaram, criticizing BJP-led government in Manipur and calling for regional autonomy, has ignited controversy. The tweet followed the Centre’s decision to deploy 50 additional Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) companies to maintain law and order in the state.
In his post, Chidambaram argued that sending 5,000 CAPF personnel was not a solution and demanded the removal of Chief Minister N Biren Singh, accusing him of being at the root of the conflict. He also proposed regional autonomy for the Meitei/Meetei, Kuki and Naga communities as the only path to peaceful coexistence in Manipur. Additionally, he urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit the state to understand its people’s concerns.
The tweet drew sharp criticism, including from Congress leaders in Manipur. Ten senior Congress leaders, including MLAs and former ministers, wrote to party president Mallikarjun Kharge, demanding action against Chidambaram. They condemned the tweet, calling its language and timing inappropriate given Manipur’s sensitive situation.
“The Congress party has always stood for the unity and territorial integrity of Manipur. We urge AICC to take prompt action against Shri P Chidambaram and ensure the post is deleted immediately,” the letter stated.
Manipur Congress Chief K Meghachandra also publicly requested Chidambaram to remove the tweet, highlighting the state’s fragile circumstances. Former Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh distanced the state Congress unit from Chidambaram’s remarks, clarifying that these were his personal views and not reflective of the party’s stance.
The controversy has further complicated the political situation in Manipur, where ethnic tensions remain high. Chidambaram’s remarks, partially aligning with the Kuki-Zo groups’ demand for autonomy, have added a layer of complexity to the Congress party’s position on the state’s crisis.