The Congress Party has strongly criticized Union Minister Kiren Rijiju for urging the people of the Northeast to be “grateful” to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for basic infrastructure and job appointments. The party called the remark “deeply problematic” and reflective of a patronizing and dismissive attitude toward the region.

In a statement issued by Rajesh Kumar Sethi, National Coordinator of the AICC Minority Department and In-charge of Manipur, the party said the Prime Minister of India is not doing a favour to the Northeast but he is simply performing his constitutional duties. “Roads, jobs, connectivity, drinking water, and security are not gifts from the ruling party, they are entitlements of every citizen in a democracy,” it said.

“Should we express gratitude for being given what is already our right? Or should we hold our elected leaders accountable for failing to deliver on promises, especially when they come to power by making grand declarations?” Sethi asked.

Recalling Prime Minister Modi’s 2015 promise to deliver a final Naga Peace Accord within a few months, the Congress said at that time only three or four groups were involved in talks, but today the situation has worsen with 28 groups in the fray stalling the peace process, which it said is “a dramatic escalation of complexity, confusion and division”.

“Is this the ‘development’ the people of Nagaland or the region are expected to be grateful for? Or do we deserve a candid explanation of how a hastily promised solution has devolved into a prolonged and deepening crisis?,” the Congress questioned.

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The Congress also took strong exception to the Prime Minister’s absence from Manipur, where ethnic violence has claimed over 200 lives, displaced thousands and countless homes and Churches burnt.

“PM Modi has not set foot in Manipur since the outbreak of violence,” Sethi said adding, “Can a region truly feel supported when its cries are met with calculated silence.

“ Leadership is not about social media statements, it is about standing with your people in their darkest hours,” Sethi remarked and questioned, “Where was the PM when Manipur needed him the most?”

The Congress also highlighted the ongoing flood crisis in Dimapur, which is reeling under the weight of collapsed infrastructure and administrative apathy.

“…in Dimapur, widely regarded as one of the key economic engines not just of Nagaland, but the region, the situation on ground is deeply troubling,” it pointed out and asked, “Where is the gratitude supposed to come from, when even basic governance is missing?”

Stating that the Congress party has always believed in serving people and not seeking applause, the statement said, “We do not expect citizens to thank us for doing our job. We want people to question more, demand better and receive what they deserve, not crumbs handed out with a photo opportunity.”

“Let us reject this culture of manufactured gratitude. Let us demand accountable, inclusive, and effective governance instead,” it concluded.