Thanjavur (Tamil Nadu) [India], January 26 : Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Monday launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing the Centre of ignoring the prolonged crisis in Manipur, while highlighting that "260 people" have been killed.
Addressing a gathering of the party's women wing here, Stalin said that nearly 3,000 people have been injured in the BJP-ruled Manipur, and around one lakh people have moved out.
"PM Modi, did you forget Manipur? In May 2023, Manipur (issue) started, and till now, as per government records, 260 people have been killed. The actual death toll may be even higher. Nearly 3,000 people have been injured, and around one lakh people have moved out of their state. For nearly three years, normal life has been disturbed in Manipur, and it is the BJP which rules Manipur," the Tamil Nadu CM said.
An ethnic conflict erupted in Manipur in May 2023, and the discord between the Meitei and Kuki communities persisted for a couple of years. The conflict has inflicted lasting damage on Manipur, hindering its economy, disrupting its social cohesion, and destabilising its political landscape.
Stalin labelled the BJP government as the "dabba-engine government" that had failed to protect lives and property in Manipur.
"Why could the double-engine Dabba engine not save people in Manipur? CM of Manipur house, ministers' house, MLAs house, son in law house were vandalised. Why could law and order not be maintained by the BJP government there? This is the reality of the BJP rule. Go and see Manipur and Uttar Pradesh," MK Stalin added.
Furthermore, referring to PM Modi's recent visit to Tamil Nadu, Stalin said, "Two days ago, PM Modi came to Tamil Nadu and told as many lies. He goes to other countries and comes to India whenever an election comes. Now he has come to Tamil Nadu since the election is nearing. I asked him a few questions before he came to Tamil Nadu, but he didn't respond to them and, as usual, spoke old content and gave new content to us."
Countering allegations over women's safety, Stalin asserted that Tamil Nadu was among the safest states in the country.
"He blames us for the lack of safety for women in Tamil Nadu. Respectful PM, it's Tamil Nadu which is the safest state in India. Tamil Nadu is the state where as many women go to work as in other states," he said.
Staling was attending the "Vellum Tamil Women" delta region conference organised by DMK women's wing.
This comes after PM Modi, on his visit to Tamil Nadu on Friday, urged women to vote for the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the next Tamil Nadu assembly polls, questioning women's safety under the ruling DMK government.
Addressing a NDA rally in Madurantakam in Tamil Nadu's Chengalpattu district, PM Modi said that former Chief Minister J Jayalalitha worked to control crime in the state, and the NDA government will ensure women's safety.
"The worst impact of crime can be seen on women. Selvi J Jayalalitha worked to control crime, but today, women feel unsafe. I urge women to bring the NDA government, which will ensure your safety. Women's convenience and health are priorities for the NDA. We have made more than 60 lakh toilets."
Tamil Nadu polls are due in the first half of this year, with the opposition NDA looking to defeat the DMK-led alliance. Actor-turned-politician Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) is also seeking to throw out the DMK government.