Himachal Disaster Relief Row: Congress MP Rajni Patil Takes on Centre
In a powerful intervention during a Parliament session, Rajya Sabha MP and Himachal Pradesh Congress in-charge Rajni Patil voiced her outrage over the delayed and insufficient disaster relief compensation for Himachal Pradesh. While BJP MPs from the state remained conspicuously silent, Patil, who hails from Maharashtra, did not hold back in accusing the central government of discrimination against the hill state.
Patil’s passionate speech in the Rajya Sabha questioned the Modi government’s neglect of Himachal Pradesh in the aftermath of the catastrophic 2023 monsoon disaster, which claimed over 500 lives and caused infrastructure damage worth thousands of crores. Despite the state government’s demand for ₹10,000 crore in aid, the Centre sanctioned a mere ₹400 crore—a move Patil condemned as a glaring injustice.
Adding fuel to the political fire, the absence of BJP MPs from Himachal in the debate sparked widespread criticism. The Congress seized the opportunity to portray itself as the only party fighting for the state’s rights, while the BJP faced backlash for allegedly prioritizing party loyalty over the welfare of their constituents. Notably, with no Congress representation from Himachal in the Lok Sabha, it was Patil—an outsider—who emerged as the strongest advocate for the state’s cause.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu’s government also condemned BJP legislators for their supposed indifference, pointing out that BJP-ruled states received prompt assistance while Himachal’s plight was overlooked. Patil further questioned the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) for adopting a selective approach to disaster relief, comparing Himachal’s treatment to that of other disaster-hit states.
Her bold stand has not only reignited the political debate but also put the BJP under pressure to justify the lack of adequate aid for Himachal. With the election season approaching, the issue of disaster relief compensation is set to become a key electoral battleground, and Patil’s intervention has undoubtedly shifted the spotlight onto the ruling party’s accountability.
As voters weigh in on this controversy, the question remains: will the BJP manage to justify its stance, or will Patil’s bold advocacy sway public sentiment in favor of the Congress?
