Politics amidst calamity: BJP-Congress spar over disaster relief in state

Himachal Pradesh BJP president Dr Rajeev Bindal on Thursday accused Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu of displaying an “insensitive attitude” towards flood victims, even as he defended the Union government’s role in providing aid to the disaster-hit state.

In a statement to The Tribune, Bindal alleged that the CM was engaging in a “political blame game” instead of prioritising relief and rehabilitation. “It is ironic that the CM is attacking the Centre. The state government’s duty is to restore roads, electricity, water supply and health services and to provide immediate relief. Will the Prime Minister himself come and do this?” he asked.

The BJP leader asserted that the Centre had already extended substantial support. “Over Rs 2,000 crore was released two months ago. A Central team has visited flood-hit regions and more assistance will follow,” he said, adding that state BJP leaders were in regular contact with New Delhi to ensure aid reaches those affected.

Pointing to the scale of the disaster, Bindal noted that relentless monsoon rains had wreaked havoc across the state. “In areas like Seraj in Mandi and Bharmour in Chamba, there were no major projects or deforestation, yet nature’s fury alone destroyed homes and infrastructure,” he said, calling the devastation unavoidable.

The Congress government, however, has consistently accused the Centre of neglecting Himachal’s plight. CM Sukhu maintains that the state has suffered losses worth several thousand crores and urgently requires a special relief package.

Meanwhile, families in districts such as Kullu, Mandi, Kangra and Chamba continue to struggle with disrupted roads, scarcity of drinking water and limited healthcare facilities. As fresh landslide warnings emerge, the political confrontation between the Congress and BJP shows no sign of easing — while flood-hit communities wait for lasting rehabilitation.