Govt doing everything to restore normalcy in Manipur; Budget to address Imphal's concern, says FM Sitharaman in RS

Sitharaman said Dharmendra Pradhan was made to withdraw his remarks just for saying that the protest by DMK members was uncivil

In an address to Rajya Sabha, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman justified Modi government's commitment to restore normalcy in strife-torn Manipur, saying the Budget seeks to address the concerns of an economy that was hit by ethnic clashes.

Replying to a discussion in the upper house, Manipur is a sensitive issue and all parties should work collectively to bring about lasting peace in the state.

Manipur is currently under the President’s Rule. Consequent to the proclamation issued under Article 356 of the Constitution last month, the powers of the Legislature of the State are exercisable by or under the authority of Parliament.

FM Nirmala Sitharaman had tabled the Manipur budget for 2025-26 on Monday (March 10) envisaging an expenditure of Rs 35,103.90 crore, up from Rs 32,656.81 crore in the current financial year. The state has seen an increase of 9 per cent in the total capital outlay to Rs 7,773 crore over the current financial year ending March 2025.

In the Rajya Sabha, the Opposition criticised PM Narendra Modi for not visiting Manipur after violence struck the northeastern state and said the imposition of President's Rule is not healthy for democracy.

The Centre has allocated ₹2,866 crore for FY26 towards incentives for police personnel posted in sensitive areas. For relief and rehabilitation for internally displaced persons, ₹15 crore has been provided for temporary shelter; ₹35 crore towards housing for displaced people, ₹100 crore for relief operation, and ₹7 crore for compe­nsation.

Participating in a discussion on the Budget Manipur 2025-26; and four Bills, Opposition members claimed that the "double-engine government" has failed.

"What has this double-engine government given to the people of Manipur? Manipur is burning," Sushmita Dev of the Trinamool Congress said, claiming that it was a "run-of-the-mill budget" and "a golden opportunity for the Prime Minister to vindicate himself".

Shaktisinh Gohil of the Congress said the people of Manipur will realise that the country is with them when the Prime Minister visits the state. "Prime Minister comes from Gujarat. I would like to appeal to him, Gandhi ji was also from Gujarat... follow Gandhi Model and visit Manipur," he said.