As the clock struck 10 minutes to midnight on Monday, social media platforms in Manipur buzzed with anticipation. Groups and channels shared a link to Sansad TV’s YouTube channel, heralding the debut speech of Manipur Congress MP Angomcha Bimol Akoijam in parliament.
The professor from Jawaharlal Nehru University’s Centre for the Study of Social Systems finally got his turn to speak after a day of heated exchanges between the ruling National Democratic Alliance and the Opposition.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi (Photo: Narendra Modi/Alamy)
With passion and conviction, Akoijam addressed the house, urging members to reflect on the plight of 60,000 people displaced in relief camps and the widows and mothers affected by the Manipur ethnic violence.
He questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s silence on the issue and humbly referred to himself as “a nobody like me” who was propelled into the political arena by the tragedy.
The speech resonated deeply with the people of Manipur, who flooded social media with congratulatory messages, hailing Akoijam as the right representative for their voices.
His aide described the moment as “goosebump-inducing,” noting that Akoijam’s humility and sincerity struck a chord with the public.
The speech marked a remarkable moment in Manipur’s political landscape, with PM Modi himself addressing the issue in the Rajya Sabha two days later. Akoijam’s powerful words had made a lasting impact, cementing his place as a voice for the people.
