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Key Points

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh has strongly criticized Prime Minister Modi's upcoming Manipur visit. He revealed the PM will spend only three hours in the state after 29 months of absence. Ramesh called this rushed trip an insult to Manipur's suffering people. The Congress leader also questioned the GST Council's relevance after Modi pre-announced its decisions.

Key Points: Jairam Ramesh Slams Modi 3-Hour Manipur Visit as Insult

  • Modi's Manipur visit limited to just three hours after 29-month absence
  • Congress calls rushed trip an insult to suffering state residents
  • Ramesh questions GST Council's relevance after PM pre-announced decisions
  • Congress advocates for GST 2.0 reforms to ease MSME compliance burden
3 min read

PM's 3-hour Manipur visit an insult to people, says Jairam Ramesh

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh criticizes PM Modi's rushed 3-hour Manipur visit after 29-month absence, calling it an insult to suffering people.

"This is actually an insult to the people of the state who have waited for him for 29 long and agonising months - Jairam Ramesh"

New Delhi, September 8

Congress General Secretary in-Charge Communications Jairam Ramesh on Sunday criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's proposed visit to Manipur on September 13, calling it an insult to the people of the state.

In a post on X, the Congress MP shared a newspaper clipping about preparations for the visit and said it appeared that the prime minister would spend only three hours in Manipur.

"The proposed visit of the Prime Minister to Manipur on Sept 13 is being hailed by his cheerleaders. But it appears that he will be spending just about 3 hours--yes, just 3 hours--in the state. What does he hope to accomplish by such a rushed trip?" Jairam Ramesh wrote.

https://x.com/Jairam_Ramesh/status/1964597652341092693?s=08

He further said, "This is actually an insult to the people of the state who have waited for him for 29 long and agonising months. Sept 13th will actually be a non-visit by the PM, who has once again revealed his callousness and insensitivity towards the people of Manipur."

Earlier on Thursday, the Congress MP had also questioned the role of the GST Council, asking whether it was being reduced to a "formality."

He pointed out that Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced major tax measures after the council's meeting, even though the Prime Minister had already disclosed the substance of these decisions in his Independence Day speech.

"The Union Finance Minister has made major announcements last evening after the meeting of the GST Council, which is a constitutional body. However, even before the GST Council meeting, the Prime Minister had already proclaimed the substance of its decisions in his Independence Day speech of August 15th, 2025. Is the GST Council to be reduced to a formality?" Jairam Ramesh wrote on 'X'.

He stressed that the Congress party had been advocating reforms in the GST for a long time, which would reduce prices and tax cuts on a lot of large consumption items. He noted that the reforms would place a compliance burden on MSMEs and expand GST coverage.

"The Indian National Congress has for long been advocating for a GST 2.0 that reduces the number of rates, cuts the rates on a large number of items of mass consumption, minimises evasion, mis-classification, and disputes, does away with inverted duty structure (lower tax on output as compared to inputs), eases the compliance burden on MSMEs, and expands GST coverage," he added.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
At least he's visiting now. Better late than never. The situation in Manipur is complex and needs careful handling. Let's hope this visit brings some positive outcomes for the people.
A
Aman W
Why is Jairam Ramesh complaining? The PM has security concerns and a packed schedule. Three hours is enough to assess the situation and take necessary actions. Opposition just wants to politicize everything.
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Sarah B
As someone who has worked in conflict zones, I can say that even a short visit by a national leader can have significant symbolic value. But the follow-up actions matter more than the duration of the visit.
Kavya N
The people of Manipur have suffered enough. They deserve more than a rushed visit. The government should have addressed this crisis much earlier. Hope this visit brings some concrete solutions, not just photo opportunities.
M
Michael C
While I understand the criticism about the short duration, we should focus on what the PM accomplishes during those 3 hours. Quality over quantity. Let's wait and see what concrete measures follow this visit.

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