Munish Sood
MANDI: Union Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways Ajay Tamta, on his Mandi visit to assess the damage caused to road due to heavy rain in Himachal Pradesh, gave an evasive response when questioned about Congress MLA Chander Shekhar’s indefinite hunger strike, now in its eighth day.
Speaking to reporters, Tamta said that in disaster situations, the foremost duty of an elected representative is to remain among the people. “The Disaster Act remains in force during such times and activities like indefinite fasts are not advisable. If there are grievances, their solution can be worked out later,” the minister remarked.
Referring to his own experience in Uttarakhand, he said, “There too, we face natural calamities. As a representative, I make it a priority to be with the public and address their problems. These are my views and my party’s discipline also requires the same, though others may think differently.”
Despite being in Mandi, Tamta did not visit the protest venue to meet MLA Chander Shekhar, a decision that has triggered criticism and underscored the Centre’s indifference to the issue. Observers believe the minister’s comments make it clear that the Union government is not treating the hunger strike with urgency.
Eighth day of fast, health deteriorates
MLA Chander Shekhar began his hunger strike on the night of September 8, demanding the removal of the project director overseeing the Mandi-Pathankot national highway construction via Dharampur. He alleged that the officer had mishandled the entire project and pushed it into disarray.
With the protest entering its eighth day, the legislator’s health is deteriorating. Doctors have already put him on glucose as weakness sets in. Despite this, the MLA has refused to call off his strike.
The agitation is drawing massive crowds daily, with residents of Dharampur and adjoining areas turning up in large numbers to show solidarity. Locals say the highway project has caused widespread disruption, and the lack of accountability has forced their elected representative to adopt extreme measures.
The Centre’s silence is fast turning the standoff into a political flashpoint. With Himachal Pradesh already reeling from disaster-related challenges, the indefinite fast by a sitting MLA is being seen as a reflection of the growing disconnect between local concerns and the Union government’s response.
