Imphal: Senior Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi is likely to visit Manipur on November 26, with Churachandpur expected to be among the places on his proposed itinerary, as the party steps up its political preparations ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections.
Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader K. Meghachandra Singh confirmed that the party has received definite communication about Gandhi’s proposed visit, although the detailed itinerary and programmes are yet to be finalised.
Meghachandra said Gandhi was likely to visit the state in the last week of November and that the Congress leadership has been informed about the proposed visit.
During his visit, Gandhi is expected to meet internally displaced persons (IDPs) from different communities and interact with youths and healthcare workers. The party is also planning programmes involving the youth.
Churachandpur is likely to be included in the itinerary, particularly for interactions with IDPs. However, it remains unclear whether Kangpokpi will also feature in the final programme.
Meghachandra said the visit is not intended solely as a political exercise, but would also allow Gandhi to understand the situation in Manipur and explore ways to address the ethnic violence and tensions that have continued in the state for nearly three-and-a-half years.
He also acknowledged that preparations for the 2027 Assembly elections form part of the proposed visit, while emphasising that the programme would be inclusive.
The proposed visit comes as the Manipur Congress prepares for the next Assembly elections amid reported differences within the state unit.
A Congress leader familiar with the party’s internal dynamics said three political groupings has emerged around Meghachandra, state Congress president O. Ibobi Singh and Congress MP Angomcha Bimol Akoijam.
The leader described Ibobi Singh as the most influential Congress figure in the state, while Akoijam’s emergence as another political centre has added a new dimension to the party’s internal dynamics.
Akoijam has reportedly expressed interest in contesting the forthcoming Assembly election from the Keishamthong constituency.
The Congress faces the challenge of mounting a political challenge to the BJP while addressing internal differences, consolidating its leadership and strengthening its organisational base ahead of the polls.
Gandhi had earlier visited Manipur in June 2023, shortly after the outbreak of ethnic violence, and again in July 2024, when he visited relief camps and met people affected by the conflict.
Although November 26 has emerged as the likely date for his next visit, the Congress leadership is yet to formally announce the final itinerary and programme.