Dr. Shivanand Hulyalkar, Congress leader and national spokesperson demonstrated strong resolve, prompting the Government of India to send a high-profile team to Manipur

Business Aajkal, Pune, 21 June 2025: Over the past year, prominent Congress leaders—including Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Priyanka Gandhi, Pawan Khera (Chairman of the Congress Media and Publicity Department), and K.C. Venugopal (Congress General Secretary for Organization)—have consistently raised concerns about the situation in Manipur. Dr. Shivanand Hulyalkar, as a national spokesperson, echoed these concerns, bringing renewed attention to the issue at a crucial moment when the BJP was celebrating its electoral victory in Maharashtra.
 
Dr. Hulyalkar’s strategic and persistent advocacy on major national news channels exerted considerable pressure on the Government of India, highlighting the ongoing crisis in Manipur. His pointed critique of the BJP’s dual stance—ignoring the humanitarian and national emergency in Manipur while openly celebrating their victory in Maharashtra—was instrumental in redirecting the national focus toward the tragic events unfolding in Manipur.
 
While the ruling party celebrated its political success, Dr. Hulyalkar’s voice stood distinct, demanding accountability and urgent action for a crisis that had long been neglected. Through sharp, persistent, and timely critiques on prominent national news channels, he pressured the Government of India to respond to the situation in Manipur. His pointed question—“Is Manipur not a part of India”—highlighted the stark contrast between the government’s festive mood and the ongoing suffering in Manipur. Additionally, his incisive remark—“The way they are celebrating their victory in Maharashtra, it’s as if they’ve won a war against Pakistan”—underscored the ruling party’s misplaced priorities amidst the crisis.
 
The sustained pressure from the Congress, amplified by Dr. Hulyalkar’s timely intervention, ultimately compelled the government to dispatch an inquiry team led by Nalin Relan, Additional Secretary, Government of India. This crucial step, though long overdue, materialized only after intense political pressure from the Congress, underscoring the government’s prolonged inaction over the past year. Notably, as Dr. Hulyalkar highlighted, Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not visit Manipur during this period, despite his decade-long tenure as the central leader, reflecting a significant neglect of the ongoing crisis.
 
Dr. Hulyalkar has consistently reminded the nation of the government’s fundamental responsibilities, emphasizing that electoral victories must not overshadow the duty of governance. His stark warning—“My fear is that if this neglect continues, India could face a crisis like Sri Lanka”—reflects a deep concern for the country’s stability and unity, urging the government to prioritize national welfare over political gains.
 
He has called for concrete actions, not mere symbolic gestures. While Congress leaders have demonstrated solidarity by visiting Manipur, the central government must address the crisis with the seriousness it demands. The people of Manipur deserve immediate attention, comprehensive support, and long-term solutions — not prolonged neglect.
 
Amidst the Maharashtra elections, Dr. Hulyalkar steadfastly amplified the Congress's efforts, ultimately compelling the government to undertake a significant new initiative for Manipur. The Congress Party stands firmly with the people of Manipur and will continue to hold the government accountable for its duty towards every state and every citizen of this nation.