Bimol censures state budget, calls it 'ritual of exclusion'
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, March 11 2025: Inner Manipur Lok Sabha MP Dr Bimol Akoijam strongly criticised the state budget presented by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, stating that it failed to address the ongoing crisis in the state and reflected government's disregard for its suffering people.

Speaking in the Parliament on Tuesday, he condemned the decision to discuss the state's budget on the national stage rather than in the Manipur Assembly, calling it an "anomaly " that underscored the Centre's approach towards the north-eastern state, and a "ritual of exclusion" as well.

Dr Bimol said: "This is not a regular thing.

There is a story behind why this budget is here and what it speaks of" He also accused the government of excluding Manipur from its priorities and treating it with "contempt" .

Bimol censures state budget, calls it 'ritual of exclusion'

He pointed to the state's dire economic condition, rising fiscal liabilities, heavy debt burden, and inadequate capital expenditure.

Citing budget figures, he noted that 37.07 per cent of the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) comprised fiscal liabilities, while 61 per cent of the revenue expenditure was directed towards salaries and pensions, leaving little room for developmental projects.

"Even the non-tax revenue component is a mere 1 per cent.

I thought this budget would introduce measures to deal with these economic anomalies, but it does nothing of that sort".

The Congress MP expressed disappointment over the Centre's failure to allocate funds to help Manipur recover from protracted humanitarian crisis.

"This budget does not reflect anything about the 60,000 people rendered homeless.

How does a state economy cope with such a crisis without the Centre's help?" he asked.

"We are not asking for UN intervention or international aid.

We are only asking for financial support from the federal government as a constituent state of India.

But what do we get? Nothing".

Dr Bimol criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's failure to visit Manipur during the crisis while making trips abroad.

"Initially, I was disheartened that the Prime Minister did not visit.

Today, it does not matter anymore," he said.

"But the country should know that there is no visa issue stopping him from visiting his own people.

If he can go to Ukraine and talk about peace while his own citizens are suffering, what does that say about his priorities?" .

He drew historical parallels, likening the government's neglect of Manipur to Mahatma Gandhi's experience of being thrown out of a train in South Africa.

"Gandhi was made to feel invisible, just as this government is making our suffering invisible," he said.

"You do not mention our tragedy in your speeches.

You expect us to feel included, yet you erase us from your concerns" .

The MP warned that such treatment is fuelling growing discontent in Manipur, with people questioning their state's relationship with India.

"People are remembering the In strument of Accession.

They are recalling the controversial merger agreement," he cautioned.

"Why? Because you have allowed these feelings to take root.

This budget is just another addition to that long list of actions alienating the people of Manipur".

Dr Bimol also highlighted the Centre's selective approach to disaster relief, pointing out how it had allocated funds for flood-affected states like Bihar, Assam, and Himachal Pradesh but ignored similar devastation in Manipur.

"Every year, floods have become a ritual in my state.

Even the Raj Bhavan was inundated.

But does this budget mention anything about that? No," he said.

"Because Bihar is more Indian than Manipur, isn't it?" .

He expressed frustration over the government's indifference and called for genuine corrective measures.

"I have taught students across this country, from Kanyakumari to Kashmir, from Gujarat to Nagaland," he said.

"And yet, standing in this House today, I feel ashamed that we, as representatives, must keep raising these issues only to be met with silence" .

Dr Bimol criticised the budget as a mere "ritual", arguing that it reinforced the sense of exclusion felt by the people of Manipur.

"It is not a joke when thousands suffer, " he said.

"This is not about BJP or Congress.

It is about acknowledging mistakes and moving forward together.

This budget should reflect that we are one, that we care for each other.

But instead, it continues the cycle of exclusion and insult" .

He reminded the government that anti-India sentiments do not emerge in a vacuum but are a direct consequence of state actions.

"Even a former home secretary has admitted that Manipur has been humiliated.

The only way forward is for the leadership to acknowledge this and apologise," he said.

"Yet, this budget does nothing for the displaced, nothing for the economy, nothing for the floods.

And you expect us to accept it as just another ritual?" Dr Bimol expressed hope that the government would eventually recognise its failures and make amends.

"One day, I hope we can all say that we feel the same as every other Indian," he said.

"But today is not that day" .