Munish Sood
MANDI: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Friday hit back at Leader of the Opposition and his predecessor Jai Ram Thakur over allegations that the Congress leader was “inaccessible” during a critical time.
Former Chief Minister Jai Ram had claimed that he tried to contact CM Sukhu six times on Thursday morning to seek help for flood-hit areas but failed to get through, a situation he called “unprecedented.”
Responding sharply, CM Sukhu dismissed the claims as “factually incorrect”, stating, “I spoke with Jai Ram Thakur on Thursday. If he chooses to lie, what can I do? The truth is on record and call details will make it clear whether a conversation took place or not.”
Sukhu says all must focus on mitigating people’s pain
Sukhu said conversations were also held with Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri and multiple senior officials as the government continued to coordinate extensive relief operations across disaster-hit regions of the state.
In a pointed message to the opposition, the Chief Minister urged the BJP to avoid politicising the flashflood and cloudburst crisis and instead focus on serving the people affected by the natural calamity.
“This is not the time for political mudslinging. It’s time to stand with the people. The government is working round the clock to provide relief and restore normalcy,” he said.
CM lauds Home Minister Shah for assuring help
Asked about BJP MP Kangana Ranaut, Sukhu said she should communicate directly with Jai Ram Thakur if she has concerns. “Everyone needs to play a constructive role at this time,” he added.
CM Sukhu revealed that he had planned to visit the heavily affected region of Janjehli but was unable to reach due to adverse weather. “I will visit again very soon,” he assured.
The Chief Minister expressed gratitude to Union Home Minister Amit Shah for assuring financial support, stating that as soon as weather conditions permit, relief supplies would be airlifted to remote areas using Army helicopters.
“The entire administrative machinery is engaged in ensuring timely aid to every corner of the state,” Sukhu emphasised, while also accusing the previous BJP government of “plundering public assets instead of strengthening disaster preparedness”.
