Shrey Awasthi
When the devastating disaster struck Mandi and surrounding areas, Himachal Pradesh was plunged into grief. Families were rendered homeless, lives were uprooted and uncertainty loomed large. In such testing times, alongside the Himachal Pradesh Police personnel, district administration and government disaster relief agencies, the BJP workers too made their presence felt in the rain-battered belts of Seraj, which is the home constituency of senior BJP leader Jai Ram Thakur.
Though Congress workers too were in the field, the BJP, due to its vast organisational structure and support base in the Mandi region (all but one MLA in the district are from the BJP), made its presence felt on the ground.
BJP’s organisational machinery emerges as wall of support
From the very first day of the tragedy, the BJP organisation transformed itself into a humanitarian force. Relief efforts were not confined to one area but poured in from every constituency across Himachal Pradesh.
The strength of BJP’s disciplined cadre and its organisational capability became visible on the ground. Trucks and mini-vans loaded with food packets, clothing, medicines, blankets and utensils left from BJP offices across Kangra, Una, Kullu, Solan, Chamba and beyond. Every constituency contributed, reflecting a statewide family bond.
‘Karyakartas’ in action
Thousands of BJP workers worked day and night standing with people in their toughest hours. The relief camps run by the BJP provided not just material support but also psychological comfort, making families feel they were not alone.
“The BJP’s collective response showcased the power of a party that is deeply rooted in society. While others restricted themselves to statements, BJP’s strength was seen in action, compassion and presence,” said Dr Rajeev Bindal, party’s state president.
Known for their organisational skills and grassroots connect, former Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur and Dr Bindal went far beyond the role of political leaders. They personally visited Mandi’s most devastated localities, interacted with families, listened to their sorrows and assured them of help. His presence itself gave confidence to those who had lost everything.
Bindal worked tirelessly to ensure that consignments of relief materials from different constituencies reached the affected villages in time. His leadership turned BJP into a “well-coordinated relief movement”.
Jai Ram Thakur was not just a leader but a family member sharing people’s grief. Walking in flood-hit lanes and sitting with families in broken houses, Jai Ram’s presence was that of a guardian.
(The write is the state coordinator of HP Unemployed Youth Federation; views are personal)
