PM Modi to visit Himachal tomorrow to assess damage, says Jai Ram Thakur

Former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would visit Himachal Pradesh on September 9 to assess the widespread damage caused by rain, floods and landslides this year. During his visit, the Prime Minister is expected to hold a high-level meeting in Dharamsala to review the situation and discuss relief measures.

Thakur was today in his home Assembly constituency Seraj in Mandi district to meet flood-affected residents.

Welcoming the PM’s visit, Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur said, “We are hopeful that the Centre will provide adequate financial assistance to Himachal.” He added that the people of the state are closely watching the developments and trust the PM’s benevolent approach.

Thakur, who will also attend the Dharamsala meeting, said he would personally apprise PM Modi of the ground realities across disaster-hit regions.

Meanwhile, taking a dig at Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu-led state government, Thakur accused it of running a “government of deprivation”. He alleged that instead of giving to the people, the government has been systematically snatching their rights, such as DA, medical reimbursements, regularisation benefits and now, higher grade pay.

“Since taking oath, the Sukhu government has closed over 2,000 public institutions and reduced services across health, education and administration. Even job benefits and promotions granted by courts are being taken away,” Thakur said.

He further claimed that the government’s much-hyped “Vyavastha Parivartan” (system change) is proving to be a “downfall for the state” and is demoralising every section of society.

Thakur concluded by warning that the state is paying the price for the government’s “authoritarian” and “regressive” policies.