Opposition Leader Critiques Himachal Government Amid Disaster Relief Concerns

Criticism of State Celebrations Amid Crisis

Shimla

The Leader of the Opposition, Jai Ram Thakur, has expressed strong disapproval of the Himachal Pradesh government's decision to hold a three-year celebration while the state grapples with severe disaster mismanagement. He highlighted that nearly 500 lives were lost and thousands displaced, yet the state has failed to distribute even ₹400 crore in relief funds, despite the Centre having allocated over ₹5,500 crore since 2023.

Thakur emphasized that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's pledge of ₹1,500 crore for Himachal is assured and urged the state to clarify the utilization of Central assistance. He pointed to the recent NDA victory in Bihar as a sign of public confidence in Modi's leadership, predicting a similar trend for Himachal.

Furthermore, he accused the Chief Minister of being inattentive during Assembly sessions and neglecting critical issues. Regarding the Sanjauli mosque situation, he insisted that the government must adhere to the court's directives.

Thakur also alleged that the government is attempting to postpone panchayat elections, asserting that the Chief Minister's remarks indicate a deliberate effort to hinder timely elections.