Himachal Assembly’s First Monsoon Session: A Day of Heated Emotions and Urgent Appeals
The monsoon session of the Himachal Pradesh Assembly kicked off with a storm—not of rain, but of emotions, concerns, and political clashes. The devastating natural disaster that recently struck the state took center stage, overshadowing all other business.
A House Divided, But Focused on the People
Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur opened the discussion with a passionate plea under Rule 67, urging the government to treat the disaster with the seriousness it deserves. He accused the Sukhu-led government of being overwhelmed and ineffective in its response. “This isn’t routine,” he said. “Relief and rehabilitation must happen on a war footing.”
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, however, stood firm. “I was the first to reach Seraj,” he reminded the House, referring to one of the worst-hit areas. He detailed how ministers, officials, and even helicopters were deployed to help. “This is not the time for politics,” he said, urging unity in the face of tragedy.
The Tricolor Controversy
The session also touched a nerve when the CM addressed an incident in Thunag, where the national flag was allegedly disrespected. He offered a path to resolution: if those involved apologized, the FIRs would be withdrawn. “We can tolerate opposition,” he said, “but not the insult of our national flag or our constitutional institutions.”
Relief for All, Not Just One Region
In a significant announcement, CM Sukhu declared that the special relief package initially meant for Seraj would now be extended across the entire state. ₹250 crore has already been disbursed as the first installment to affected families. However, he acknowledged that some victims haven’t received aid simply because they no longer have land to rebuild on.
College Relocation Sparks Debate
Another flashpoint was the relocation of a horticulture college from Thunag to Nachan. The opposition cried foul, calling it a politically motivated move. The CM clarified that the new location is still within Mandi district and complies with new environmental regulations that prohibit construction near rivers and streams.
Bigger Challenges: Climate Change and Legal Hurdles
Lawmakers across party lines acknowledged the growing threat of climate change. “We’re seeing more floods, more cloudbursts,” said one MLA. “And it’s costing us dearly.” The CM added that while the government is ready to build shelter homes, outdated forest and environment laws are blocking progress. He invited the opposition to join him in Delhi to push for legal reforms.
Allegations of Corruption and Neglect
Jairam Thakur didn’t hold back. He accused some Congress leaders and contractors of exploiting the disaster for personal gain, even billing machinery provided by locals under their own names. He was also shocked that only ₹2 crore had been released for Seraj, despite damages exceeding ₹500 crore.
A Cry for Fair Treatment from the Centre
Congress MLA Keval Singh Pathania voiced frustration over what he called the central government’s “step-motherly” treatment of Himachal. “When Uttarakhand was hit, the Home Minister rushed there. But Himachal’s suffering seems invisible to him.”
A Call for Compassion and Urgency
As the day unfolded, one thing became clear: the disaster has left deep scars—not just on the land, but on the people and their leaders. While political differences were evident, so was a shared sense of urgency. The people of Himachal are looking to their leaders for action, not arguments.
