The BJP on Thursday accused the government of not taking the rain disaster and relief work seriously as Himachal Pradesh continues to battle widespread destruction caused by heavy rains. The Opposition BJP also demanded that the assembly session be postponed because of the ongoing crisis.
Opposition MLAs from Chamba, Hans Raj, Janak Raj, and D.S. Thakur, voiced concern over Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu’s absence from the state at such a crucial time.
“When the situation in the state is so critical, the CM should have been here rather than attending a political function in Bihar,” Leader of Opposition (LoP) and former CM Jai Ram Thakur said.
Responding to the criticism, Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri said a narrative was being created that the government was not doing anything.
“Like you all, we too are equally concerned about the situation, but do not try to give it a political tinge. The LoP is trying to give the issue a political colour, though the entire government is working overtime to ensure that relief and restoration work is in full swing,” Agnihotri said.
He added that the whole state had been affected, with Chamba being the worst hit. The Chief Secretary, he said, was in constant touch with deputy commissioners and monitoring the situation round the clock. He pointed out that the Pathankot–Chamba road was reopened at 1 am and that 3,000 people stranded on the Manimahesh route have been rescued.
Angered by the Deputy CM’s accusation of politicising the issue, the entire Opposition stood up, shouting slogans. The Speaker finally adjourned the House amid chaos.
LoP Jai Ram Thakur said Mandi was initially the worst affected, but now damage has spread to many other districts.
“Chamba has been hit very badly, especially during the Manimahesh Yatra. The most serious aspect is that there is no contact, as all communication has been cut off in Chamba,” he said.
Thakur added that roads beyond Pandoh in Mandi were damaged, leaving tourists and locals stranded. He said helicopter services should have been called in by now to evacuate people and drop essential supplies.
“At such a time, the CM should have been here when disaster struck Himachal. It is ironic that he is busy attending a political programme in Bihar when the state is passing through a critical phase,” he said, urging the Speaker to intervene and push for stronger relief arrangements.
Chamba MLA Hans Raj said the damage during the Manimahesh Yatra has been massive. He said the situation in Kullu-Manali, Chamba, Pangi, and Lahaul-Spiti was also serious.
“The Chief Minister should have stayed here and monitored the situation personally,” he said. He added that vehicles carrying rations were stuck at Saach Pass, which has received 1.5 feet of snow, cutting off contact.
Bharmour MLA Janak Raj also highlighted the grim situation, saying Bharmour had no connectivity for 72 hours and the Khara Mukh–Chamba road was in very bad shape. Thousands of people were stranded, he said, adding, “When three districts of the state have witnessed unprecedented devastation, the state government should have been more serious.”
Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kuldeep Pathania said he agreed the situation was critical. He noted that almost all districts had reported damage in the last 72 hours, with Chamba being the worst affected. “What is more worrying is that there is no mobile connectivity in Chamba. Bharmour, Tissa, Holi, and Salooni are badly hit,” he said.
The Speaker added that if there was consensus between the Parliamentary Affairs Minister and the Leader of Opposition, he was open to deferring the session.
Also Read: Corruption row stalls Himachal Assembly, House adjourned
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