MANDI/SHIMLA, JULY 3:
In the wake of devastating rains that have ravaged Mandi district, former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur has lashed out at the Sukhu-led Congress government, accusing it of turning a massive human tragedy into a governance failure.
In a press conference held in Mandi, Thakur minced no words:
“This is not just rain—it’s a disaster. And yet the government's response is stuck in first gear. People are missing, houses are gone, roads are wiped out—and all we see are photo ops and hollow statements.”
Thakur said over 30 people are still missing in his home segment Seraj, with nine bodies recovered so far.
“Entire villages are cut off—there's no power, no water, no communication. It’s like we’ve been pushed back 50 years. The government machinery has simply failed to reach.”
He listed the worst-hit areas: Aarwani, Nachan, Karsog, and parts of Mandi Sadar—all of which have suffered massive loss of life, property, and orchards.
“Seraj alone has lost over 500 homes. Orchards are buried under landslides. Thousands of apple and floriculture plants are gone. This is heartbreaking—and infuriating.”
Thakur said the rescue response has been late and lacking, with NDRF reaching only after three days and road-clearing machines still missing from key points.
“I’ve walked kilometres through broken terrain to reach my people. And the Chief Minister? He’s too busy flying over the devastation. Ground work needs boots, not binoculars.”
He demanded immediate deployment of satellite phones in three cut-off areas—Tunag, Jinjahli, and Lahore—and faster action to restore power and drinking water schemes worth hundreds of crores, most of which lie in ruins.
“This can’t be business as usual. At this rate, it’ll take months to get basic services back. Bring in bigger machines. Restore power on a war footing. Get tents, food, and medicine to people now.”
On being asked about the state's coordination with the Centre, Thakur said:
“I spoke to Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh. He assured help. But on the ground, people need action, not assurance. Even tents haven’t reached many areas yet.”
He confirmed that all students of the Horticulture College stranded in Seraj have been rescued and are safe. But warned that the next big crisis is ration shortage.
“With roads gone, ration can’t reach. The government must drop supplies via choppers now—or be ready for hunger.”
Taking a swipe at Sukhu, Thakur said:
“A Chief Minister who can’t pick up the phone in a crisis doesn’t deserve the chair. People are dying, and he’s busy managing optics.”
He urged the government to learn from the Uttarakhand 2013 disaster, act faster, and not ignore warnings again.
“This is a national tragedy. The government must stop pretending and start delivering. Relief can’t wait. Politics can.”
Reported by Himbumail | Mandi Bureau
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