Vijay Pal Singh Slams Jai Ram Thakur for Politicising Mandi Disaster, Defends State Relief Efforts.
Shimla:
Congress leader from Seraj and Member of the Himachal Pradesh Private Educational Institutions Regulatory Commission, Vijay Pal Singh, on Wednesday hit back at former Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur, accusing him of politicising the rain-induced disaster in Mandi district.
Speaking to the media in Mandi, Singh urged Thakur to avoid making political statements amid a humanitarian crisis. “This is a time for unity and action, not blame games,” he said, reacting to Thakur’s recent criticism of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and the state government’s disaster response.
Defending the state’s relief efforts, Singh said the government has mobilised adequate manpower and machinery in the Seraj Assembly constituency to restore essential services. “Despite the magnitude of destruction, the government is working round the clock to provide relief and rebuild infrastructure,” he said.
Singh highlighted the progress made in the Balichowki area, stating that major roads have already been restored, and work on link roads is in full swing. He also reported that power supply has been restored across most parts of Balichowki, with the exception of Gada Gusain, where restoration efforts are ongoing.
Responding to Jai Ram Thakur’s remarks targeting CM Sukhu, Singh said, “Thakur claims close ties with the central leadership. Instead of criticizing the state government, he should use his influence to secure a special relief package from the Centre for Seraj, his home constituency.”
He reiterated that the Congress government is fully committed to rebuilding the disaster-hit regions and is working in close coordination with district authorities to ensure timely delivery of aid.
Vijay Pal Singh concluded by calling for collective efforts across party lines. “This tragedy has impacted thousands of lives. It’s time to rise above politics and focus on helping those in need,” he said.
The remarks come amid growing political tensions over the handling of the recent calamity, which caused widespread damage in Mandi district, including Seraj.
