NB Viewpoint | R Chandrasekhar takes jibe at Rahul Gandhi as he engages in "vulture tourism

"I find that Rahul Gandhi always has this habit of making these visits almost look like a vulture tourist goes and travels places where suffering is going on. Instead of contributing to decades of tension in some societies that have been ignored by years under the previous government, he goes there for a little tourism vulture visit" - Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Union Minister

"I don't want to comment too much about it. I certainly think that all want peace to be restored." - Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Union Minister

"The state government does not like violence in Manipur and I hope that Rahul Gandhi is happy with his photo op today and goes back to doing what he does for his foreign holidays" - Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Union Minister

New Delhi, Jul 1: Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar on Friday (Jun 30) took a jibe at Rahul Gandhi's visit to Manipur and said that the Congress leader engages in what he called "vulture tourism." Chandrasekhar accused Gandhi of visiting places where people are suffering, instead of actively addressing long-standing issues in those societies.

He expressed his hope that Gandhi finds satisfaction in his photo opportunities during his visit and returns to his usual activities during his holidays in foreign countries. Rajeev Chandrasekhar further stated that he hopes that Rahul Gandhi is happy with the photo op moments on this visit to Manipur.

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Earlier today Congress leader Rahul Gandhi met with Manipur Governor Anusuiya Uikey at Raj Bhava and said that he would do whatever he can to restore peace in the state. He reiterated that his Party will extend fullest cooperation to bring peace and tranquility in the State so that the immemorial history of co-existence will maintain the status quo ante.

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Manipur Police on Thursday said the situation is tense in some places with sporadic incidents of firing in the past 24 hours but normal in most districts. Ethnic clashes broke out in the State nearly two months ago on May 3 after clashes erupted during a rally organised by the All Tribal Students Union (ATSU) to protest against the demand for the inclusion of Meiteis in the list of Scheduled Tribes (STs).