New Delhi, July 26: Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, accusing him of insensitivity over his silence following the death of Ratan Thiyam, one of India’s most revered cultural icons. Thiyam, a celebrated playwright and theatre director, passed away in Imphal on July 23.
In a strongly worded post on social media platform X, Ramesh described the Prime Minister’s lack of public condolence as “insensitive and insulting to the people of Manipur.” He wrote, “Ratan Thiyam, one of India’s greatest cultural personalities whose contributions have been recognised all over the world, has just passed away in Imphal. All of Manipur has saluted him. Sadly, the PM does not find it appropriate to extend his condolences even through a post on X.”
Ramesh went on to criticise the Prime Minister for his continued absence from Manipur amid the ongoing crisis that began in May 2023. “Since May 3, 2023, when Manipur erupted and the extreme distress, pain, and agony of the people there began, the Prime Minister has not found the time nor has he shown any inclination to visit the state. For the past 26 months, he has also totally avoided meeting political leaders and civil society organisations of Manipur,” he alleged.
The remarks come at a time when political tensions in Manipur remain high. On Friday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah presented a statutory resolution in the Rajya Sabha to extend President’s Rule in the state till February 13, 2026. The extension was approved through a proclamation issued under Article 356 of the Constitution.
President’s Rule was initially imposed on February 13, 2025, following the resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh on February 9 amid deepening political unrest and persistent violence. Despite efforts by a group of MLAs—including BJP, NPP, and Independent legislators—to form a new government, the Centre opted for direct governance through the Governor.
Ratan Thiyam, who was awarded the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1987, was widely regarded as a towering figure in Indian theatre. His passing has sparked an outpouring of grief across Manipur and beyond, with tributes pouring in from artists, intellectuals, and citizens alike.
