Protesters insulted national flag: Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi

Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi today said that the case of sedition should be filed against the people who threw black flags and footwear on his car during his visit to Thunag in district Mandi.

“My vehicle had a national flag on it, and they threw black flags and slippers on it and obstructed my way,” the minister said in a press conference here today. “People have the right to protest, but they showed disrespect to the national flag and obstructed my way. This is illegal and undemocratic,” said Negi, adding that it was unfortunate that Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur and state BJP president Rajeev Bindal did not even the condemn the incident.

The minister further said that he gave a patient hearing to the protesters who were demanding that the Horticulture College should not be shifted from Thunag. “Actually, the protesters were some contractors and landlords whose commercial interests would be hit with the shifting of the college. Apart from a handful of these people, people are satisfied with the work the government is doing for the disaster-struck district,” he said.

He also accused the BJP of trying to mislead the people of Mandi by presenting his comment on Jai Ram Thakur in all altogether different light. “I had not said anything against the people of Seraj or Mandi. We do not believe in regionalism,” he said. “The BJP is today seeking relief from the Centre for Seraj, but it was silent when the government passed a resolution in 2023 to declare the natural calamity a national disaster,” said Negi.

He further accused the BJP of not distributing money and relief material impartially in the disaster-hit areas. “Leader of Opposition and state BJP president should reveal show much money and relief material they have collected, and who have received it,” he said.