Sadly, pointing fingers at others seems to be a trait the polity cannot disengage with — even when dealing with Manipur’s tragedy. While requesting all Chief Ministers to strengthen law and order in their respective States, especially to protect women, Modi made a reference to incidents in Congress-ruled Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh.

Predictably evoking a terse reaction. Rajasthan Chief Minister Gehlot tweeted: “Nothing is more important to us than the safety and dignity of women. After the gruesome gang rape in Jodhpur, the three accused were arrested in just two hours. Whereas BJP took 77 days to nab just one accused in the shameful incident of Manipur. Time to answer on crime: Congress — two hours, BJP — 77 days.”

His counterpart in Chhattisgarh Baghel told the media: “Manipur has been burning for the past three months, but Prime Minister didn’t speak about it even once…He didn’t speak a word on crimes occurring on UP courts’ premises and hospitals, nor treatment of tribals in Madhya Pradesh,” and added Modi hasn’t visited Manipur even once and instead “he went on foreign visits and campaigned here and Karnataka. He’s comparing Manipur to a peaceful state. He should stop lying and throwing phrases.”

The anguish of Manipur gets drowned in one-upmanship syndrome!