Joy takes dig at PM's visit with 'Prime Mistry' quip
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 15 2025: In a sharp critique, veteran politician Okram Joy has stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to Manipur was not in his capacity as the Nation's leader but as the "prime mistry" of the BJP.

Speaking to the media at Congress Bhavan today, O Joy elaborated that the visit was more politically motivated than on addressing the State's pressing issues.

He accused the BJP Government of turning a blind eye to the crisis which has displaced tens of thousands, claimed over 260 lives, and left many missing.

Stating that the Prime Minister left Manipur after launching a few initiatives, as if the crisis would resolve on its own, he slammed the Prime Minister for prioritizing project inaugurations over addressing the ongoing crisis.

Noting that the Opposition parties had repeatedly urged the Prime Minister to visit and provide solace to the State's people, Joy highlighted that Modi visited Manipur for a few hours but the outcome was disappointing.

Indeed the Prime Minister came to Manipur after over 28 months of crisis, but his few-hour visit wasn't to foster peace but to attend a BJP event, he said.

Joy further stated that the Prime Minister's promise of "achhe din ayega" (good days will come) has turned into "days of death and misery" for the people of Manipur.

He also criticized former Chief Minister N Biren Singh, saying that his promise to turn Manipur into "Sanaleibak" (a land of gold) has instead resulted in the State becoming a land of coffins.

Nobody wants a coffin as a gift, he said.

Thousands still languish in relief camps under dire conditions, yet the Prime Minister's visit brought no concrete plans for their resettlement, he said, adding that the visit has only angered the people.

Joy added that the Prime Minister should have engaged with Opposition parties and civil society organizations (CSOs) during his visit to build trust among the people.

Saying that Opposition MLAs, however, were not invited for the programme addressed by the Prime Minister as it was a BJP event, Joy asserted that no Government can exist in a democratic Nation like India without Opposition voices.

Forget Opposition parties, the Prime Minister hasn't even met his own party MLAs throughout the crisis, Joy said.

The BJP Government even gets upset when Opposition parties highlight its flaws, he said and added that democracy loses its meaning if the Opposition can't hold the Government accountable.

He accused the BJP of running a tyrannical regime and suppressing the freedom of press.

Former MLA of Moirang AC P Sarat also attended the press briefing.

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