NB Viewpoint | War of words between Smriti Irani & Rahul Gandhi over Manipur Violence

"A man who seeks international intervention in India’s internal matters, a frustrated dynast who sullies the ‘Make in India’ ambition mocks India when our PM receives a National honour" - Smriti Irani, Union Minister for Women & Child Development

"Rejected by people, he seethes as defence contracts no longer land at the doorstep of dynasty" - Smriti Irani, Union Minister for Women & Child Development

"Manipur burns. EU Parliament discusses India’s internal matter. PM hasn’t said a word on either! Meanwhile, Rafale gets him a ticket to the Bastille Day Parade" - Rahul Gandhi, Congress Leader

New Delhi, Jul 17: Union Minister Smriti Irani on Saturday (Jul 15) slammed Congress leader and former MP Rahul Gandhi by calling him a "frustrated dynast" after the latter criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's France visit and "silence" on Manipur issue.

Also read: NB Viewpoint | After US, Europe interferes in India's internal matter of Manipur only to get slammed for colonial mindset

Congress leader and former MP Rahul Gandhi on Saturday (Jul 15) had launched a fresh attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi calling him out for his "silence" on Manipur issue. Manipur witnessed violence in May following the protests by the Kuki and Naga communities against the High Court's order asking the state government to consider the inclusion of Meitei community in the category of Scheduled Tribes (ST). Only STs can buy lands in hilly areas.

Also read: NB Viewpoint | Ravi Shankar Prasad-led fact-finding team is BJP's provocation committee, says Mamata Banerjee

The majority Meitei community, which occupy the Imphal valley and nearby areas, sought the ST status keeping in view their increasing population and increased requirement of land, so that they could purchase lands in the hilly areas.