Munish Sood
MANDI: The political temperature in Himachal Pradesh’s disaster-hit Mandi soared on Wednesday (August 6, 2025) as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) staged a massive protest rally against what it called “fabricated FIRs” lodged against victims of flash flood tragedy in Thunag.
Party leaders warned of an intensified agitation unless the Congress-led state government withdrew the cases. Led by BJP state in-charge Srikant Sharma, state president Dr Rajeev Bindal and Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur, the protest drew hundreds of supporters, despite alleged attempts by the administration to obstruct the rally.
“The administration circulated messages claiming 90% of roads were blocked in Shimla. They believed the BJP would back down. But we are a cadre-based party — we turned up in strength,” said Bindal, addressing the crowd.
‘Victims treated as criminals’: BJP leaders want FIRs revoked
The protest was triggered by multiple FIRs filed against residents of disaster-hit areas, including one under charges of insulting the national flag. Former Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur termed the move “inhuman”, questioning how a government could criminalise its own people in their hour of suffering.
“People who lost homes and land are now burdened with legal harassment. Ministers call local police officials daily, seeking updates on action. The government seems more interested in chasing victims than helping them,” Thakur said. He alleged that despite Rs 2,000 crore in monsoon-related damages, the Congress government allocated merely Rs 1 crore for PWD and Rs 2 crore for IPH, departments which suffered losses exceeding Rs 800 crore.
Thakur also raised questions over alleged pressure tactics on local administration. “Well-wishers donated 22 JCBs and Poklen machines for relief, but now Congress leaders are pushing DCs to clear fake payment bills. This isn’t governance—it’s daylight exploitation.”
Congress more focused on optics than relief, says Srikant Sharma
BJP’s state in-charge Srikant Sharma accused the Congress of weaponising the administration and police to suppress public anger. “The Congress always chooses self-interest. They have funds to march to Delhi, but none for flood-ravaged Himachal,” he alleged.
He further said, “This is the same party that has dismissed four elected governments in the past, including one in Himachal. The Congress mocks the Constitution when it suits them and when cornered, hides behind false FIRs and political victimisation.”
Sharma also took direct aim at Rahul Gandhi. “The BJP has never disrespected the Tricolour, but Rahul Gandhi has a history of attacking the Army, the judiciary and constitutional institutions. The courts have commented on this. It is ironic that those who speak of democracy run the most autocratic show.”
Bindal: ‘A fight at every polling booth if FIRs aren’t withdrawn’
In a fiery speech, BJP president Rajeev Bindal warned the government of a grassroots-level campaign if the FIRs are not quashed. “Instead of providing balm to the wounded, the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu government has rubbed salt by slapping criminal charges. Institutions are being shut across Himachal.
Schools, colleges, transport services — everything is being pulled back while they claim development.”
He accused Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi of taking a “personal oath” to make life miserable for the people of Mandi. “Even the Chief Minister only showed up in Mandi when BJP national president JP Nadda came. That speaks volumes about this government’s priorities.”
