Protests Erupt During Saraj Visit; Tug of Words Escalates Between Jagat Negi and Former CM Jairam Thakur
Munish Sood
Mandi
What was meant to be a damage-assessment tour turned into a political flashpoint on Friday, as Revenue, Horticulture and Tribal Development Minister Jagat Singh Negi faced a massive public backlash in Saraj, the home turf of former Chief Minister Jairam Thakur. From black flags and blocked convoys to shoes allegedly hurled at his vehicle, the minister’s visit became a full-blown confrontation, revealing deep-rooted anger over the proposed relocation of the Government College of Horticulture and Forestry from Thunag.
But what truly set the political temperature soaring was Negi’s sharp rhetoric targeting former CM Jairam Thakur, a move seen as ill-timed and provocative amid an already agitated atmosphere. His comments—deemed “irrelevant and insensitive” by many—fueled what is now being called a tug of word-war between two powerful political voices in the state.
“Jairam Thakur is Doing Politics Over Disaster”: Negi’s Remarks Spark Uproar
Locals, still grappling with the aftershocks of a natural disaster, were further inflamed when Minister Jagat Singh Negi accused Jairam Thakur of politicizing the Saraj tragedy. His words were seen as adding insult to injury in a region already reeling from devastation. “He’s here not with aid or assurance, but with taunts and blame,” said a visibly upset local resident.
Thakur, a five-time MLA from Saraj, responded sharply to the minister’s statements, accusing the Congress government of playing with the emotions of the people and attempting to dismantle institutions developed during his tenure. “This government is busy shifting colleges and targeting constituencies where they lost. They’re punishing Saraj, not serving it,” Thakur said in a public statement.
College Relocation Becomes Flashpoint of Protest
At the heart of the public anger lies the state government’s alleged move to relocate the Government College of Horticulture and Forestry from Thunag, seen by residents as a direct attack on Saraj’s development. Locals gathered in hundreds outside the Thunag Rest House demanding a clear response from the minister. Instead, they were met with vague assurances and a lunch break—further escalating tensions.
Despite police efforts, the crowd grew restless. Protesters surrounded Negi’s vehicle, threw black flags, and in a dramatic escalation, some even claimed to have thrown shoes at the car. Videos of the incident have since gone viral, adding fuel to the political fire.
Negi’s Blunt Persona Draws Comparisons with Kangana Ranaut
Known for his outspoken and unapologetically blunt style, Jagat Singh Negi has often courted controversy with his public statements. On Friday, that trait worked against him. Several political observers have begun comparing Negi’s style to that of actor-turned-politician Kangana Ranaut, who is also known for making bold and polarizing remarks.
“Negi doesn’t mince words, and like Kangana, he seems to believe in shock value,” said a senior political analyst. “But Saraj wasn’t the place for bravado. It needed sensitivity and statesmanship.”
Police Struggle, Minister Retreats Under Tight Security
Senior officials including DC Mandi Apoorv Devgan, SP Sakshi Verma, and DSP Karsog tried in vain to pacify the protestors. Despite tight police cordons, it took significant effort to escort the minister’s vehicle out of the rest house premises. As his convoy departed for Dharampur, locals declared they had “sent him back with black flags and shoes.”
What Lies Ahead
The Saraj episode may seem like a flash protest, but its political implications are far-reaching. With assembly elections in the distant view and public trust wavering in disaster-hit areas, the Congress government’s actions—and its rhetoric—will come under increased scrutiny. Meanwhile, the Negi-Jairam rivalry has now taken center stage, setting the tone for a bitter political season ahead.
