Modi Visited Manipur Only After Opposition Pressure, Says CM Siddaramaiah

Mysuru, Sep 14: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Saturday questioned the timing of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Manipur, saying it came nearly three years after violence broke out in the state, and only under pressure from opposition parties.

Speaking to reporters in Mysuru, Siddaramaiah said,

“The Prime Minister stayed silent for more than two years while Manipur suffered. He is visiting now only because the opposition forced him to act. This visit should have happened during the peak of the unrest, when people were in pain and needed to be heard.”

“Action Must Be Taken Against Provocative Speeches”

The Chief Minister also pointed to recent controversies involving BJP leaders in Karnataka. He said leaders like C.T. Ravi and Basanagouda Patil Yatnal have FIRs filed against them for making provocative remarks that could disturb communal harmony.

“If any political leader tries to incite violence, should the government remain a spectator? No — we will take action against anyone who disturbs peace in society,” Siddaramaiah said.

He clarified that this was not a political vendetta:

“I am a Hindu myself. My name carries both Ishwara and Rama. But disturbing harmony in the name of religion cannot be accepted.”

“Caste Inequality Still Exists”

Siddaramaiah also addressed the issue of caste discrimination and religious conversion. He argued that many people convert because they do not find equality within Hindu society.

“If everyone had equal opportunities in Hindu society, would people feel the need to convert? Why does untouchability still exist? These are questions we must ask ourselves,” he said.

Defends Caste Census

Responding to BJP’s allegations that the Congress government is creating new castes through its caste census, Siddaramaiah clarified that the central government is responsible for the ongoing national census.

“BJP is accusing us of dividing society, but it’s the central government that has included a separate column for religious converts. We are only asking for data that reflects social realities,” he said.

He reaffirmed the Congress government’s commitment to social justice, saying that the caste census would help ensure fair distribution of resources and representation.