Himachal BJP MLAs donate ₹13.80 lakh to disaster relief fund, days after CM Sukhu gave ₹51 lakh, Vikramaditya ₹5 lakh
The Newz Radar
SHIMLA: Himachal Pradesh Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur on Tuesday (September 19, 2023) presented a cheque for Rs 13.80 lakh to Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu towards the Aapda Rahat Kosh (disaster relief fund) on behalf of all 25 BJP MLAs in the state.
Jai Ram, a former Chief Minister, presented the cheque to his successor Sukhvinder Sukhu in Shimla where all legislators have gathered for the monsoon session of the Vidhan Sabha.
CM Sukhu had set a rare example by donating almost the entire amount he had in his personal bank accounts for the disaster relief fund, created in view of the recent rain tragedy. He donated Rs 51 lakh and is learnt to have been left with only Rs 17,000 in his three accounts.
The CM’s step was seen as a noble gesture towards the people of the state who are recovering from the disaster. He along with his wife Kamlesh Thakur gave the cheque to Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena.
The Chief Minister said that at this time of disaster, even small children were breaking their piggy banks and donating to the disaster relief fund. “In such a situation, I thought I should help the disaster-hit people with whatever I have,” he said. The Chief Minister said that after checking his three accounts, he donated this amount to the Chief Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund.
Chief Minister Sukhu said that even during the previous Jai Ram government, he had donated his salary during the Covid period. The CM has for long been demanding a special relief package from the Centre, but to no avail.
PWD Minister Vikramaditya Singh, who is among the richest MLAs, too recently donated Rs 5 lakh for the relief fund.
