Himachal Assembly session: Don’t stop release of disaster funds from Centre, Sukhu tells Jai Ram amid clash over Seraj bridge
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A heated exchange took place during the Question Hour in the Himachal Pradesh Assembly on Wednesday (August 28, 2024) as Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur sparred over the allocation of disaster funds and development projects in the state. The confrontation was sparked by a question from Jairam Thakur concerning the status of the Thunag bridge in his constituency.
CM Sukhu’s sharp retort
In response to Jai Ram Thakur’s inquiry about the delayed construction of the Thunag bridge, Chief Minister Sukhu took the opportunity to accuse the opposition of hindering the state’s disaster funds. “Do not go to Delhi and stop the disaster funds,” Sukhu said, addressing the opposition directly. “If you cooperate in bringing the budget from Delhi, we will spend it in your area.”
Sukhu criticised the previous BJP government, alleging that they laid the foundation stone of the bridge just a month before the elections, spending a significant amount of money in Jai Ram’s Seraj constituency.
He emphasised that his government was committed to equitable development across all regions of the state and urged the opposition to assist in securing the funds needed from the central government following the recent disasters.
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Jai Ram’s concerns over Thunag bridge
Jai Ram, in his question, highlighted the unfinished work on the Thunag bridge, a crucial infrastructure project that was initiated during the BJP’s tenure. He pointed out that the bridge’s construction was essential for the development of Shikari Mata as a tourist destination and criticised the current government for not progressing with the project.
He accused the present administration of neglecting his constituency, claiming that not a single brick had been laid in the area since they took office.
PWD Minister Vikramaditya Singh’s response
Responding to the allegations, Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh stated that the government had begun the process of reconstructing all bridges damaged during recent disasters, including the Thunag bridge.
He provided details, noting that administrative approval of Rs 2.24 crore was given for the project, with Rs 1.39 crore already spent on preliminary works. Singh assured the Assembly that efforts would be made to secure the necessary budget provisions to complete the bridge.
