"Himachal CM attending political programmes in Bihar": Jairam Thakur slams Sukhu govt over handling of Chamba disaster

Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], September 2 (ANI): The Leader of Himachal Pradesh Assembly and former Chief Minister Jairam Thakur on launched a scathing attack on the state government, accusing it of failing to respond effectively to the recent disaster in Chamba and alleged that the CM was attending political programmes in Bihar.
"The government has completely failed during this disaster. While the Assembly session was underway and a major disaster struck Chamba, the Chief Minister was attending political programmes in Bihar. There is a big difference between the figures given by the CM and Deputy CM in the House," Thakur said on Monday.
"In Chamba, the disaster exposed the system. Large numbers of people are still stranded. The government's first priority should be relief in disaster-hit areas," Thakur added.
He further alleged that the Chief Minister delayed his response. "The CM came to the Assembly four to five days later and hurriedly made his statement. Disturbing visuals from Chamba have exposed the system, but the CM kept praising his minister. The CM admitted that 15,000 pilgrims were stranded, yet accused the opposition of twisting facts when it said 10,000. Many pilgrims had to walk from Chamba to Bharmour. The minister being praised faced public complaints about the government's arrangements," Thakur remarked.
Criticising the state's preparedness, he added, "There were only four helicopters in Chamba hired every year for pilgrims, but the Army's helicopters were not requisitioned in time. The government has now admitted 16 deaths. Manimahesh Yatra has always been risky, but no arrangements were made this time. In Mandi, heavy losses occurred, but the CM avoids mentioning Mandi."
Thakur said the opposition supports declaring the situation a national disaster, but opposed extending the Assembly session. "The opposition supports declaring a national disaster, but we oppose extending the Assembly session by three days. Our priority is to save lives, not gain political mileage," he said.
Meanwhile, the ongoing monsoon devastation in Himachal Pradesh has so far claimed 326 lives, including 171 in rain-related incidents such as landslides, flash floods, and cloudbursts, and 155 in road accidents, according to the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA). (ANI)