Imphal/New Delhi: Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh today launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, lambasting him for his silence following the passing of legendary theatre personality Ratan Thiyam. Thiyam, one of India’s most revered cultural figures, breathed his last in Imphal, Manipur, on July 23.
In a sharply worded post on X (formerly Twitter), Ramesh termed the Prime Minister’s lack of condolences as “insensitive” and a direct “insult to the people of Manipur.” He highlighted Thiyam’s global recognition for his pioneering work in Indian theatre and dramaturgy, noting that “All of Manipur has saluted him.” Ramesh expressed dismay that the Prime Minister had not even managed a social media post to acknowledge the demise of such a towering personality.
The Congress leader further leveraged the moment to rekindle the party’s long-standing criticism of Prime Minister Modi’s perceived disengagement from Manipur. Ramesh reiterated that despite the ongoing turmoil and violence that erupted in the state on May 3, 2023, the Prime Minister has yet to visit or interact with political and civil society leaders there, even after 26 months of unrest.
Ratan Thiyam, a recipient of the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1987, was widely acclaimed for his unique artistic contributions that blended traditional Manipuri forms with contemporary narratives.
These pointed remarks from Ramesh came just a day after Union Home Minister Amit Shah moved a statutory resolution in the Rajya Sabha, seeking to extend President’s Rule in Manipur until February 13, 2026. The resolution aims to secure approval for “the continuance in force of the Proclamation dated February 13, 2025, under Article 356 of the Constitution” for an additional six months, commencing August 13, 2025.
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