Himachal Pradesh is currently facing a dire situation, with devastating floods and cloudbursts wreaking havoc across the state. Rivers are in spate, and a trail of destruction has been left behind, impacting everything from road connectivity to essential services like power and water supply. It’s a challenging time for the people of Himachal, who are grappling with immense loss and disruption to their daily lives. The State Disaster Management Authority reports widespread damage, underscoring the severity of the crisis. Relief and rescue operations are in full swing, especially in areas like the Chamba district, where pilgrims undertaking the Manimahesh Yatra found themselves stranded amidst the rising waters. The focus, understandably, is on mitigating the impact and bringing normalcy back to the region.
Amidst this crisis, a political storm has erupted. BJP IT Cell chief Amit Malviya has sharply criticized Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu. The BJP’s contention? That while his own state is battling such an unprecedented natural disaster, CM Sukhu chose to participate in Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Voter Adhikar Yatra’ in Bihar.
Malviya took to X, expressing his disapproval in strong terms. He accused CM Sukhu of abandoning the people of Himachal Pradesh and prioritizing ‘political theatrics’ over their grief and pain. He emphasized that both lives and livelihoods have been destroyed in the flood ravaged state. To underscore his point, Malviya even shared a video, effectively juxtaposing the visuals of the Himachal floods with CM Sukhu’s presence at the yatra. This move by Malviya has intensified the debate surrounding the Chief Minister’s decision to leave the state during such a critical period of flood recovery.
CM Sukhu, however, offered a defense of his participation. He also took to X, stating that his involvement in the ‘Voter Rights Yatra’ in Motihari was aimed at giving further momentum to a ‘great campaign for democratic awareness.’ He highlighted Rahul Gandhi’s leadership and claimed that Bihar had risen against ‘vote theft and injustice,’ standing in favor of democracy. According to Sukhu, vote theft is not merely a crime but a direct assault on democratic principles and the Constitution, making it the duty of every Indian to respond and protect these foundational elements. His message concluded with a strong affirmation of democracy and the Constitution, implying that his participation was an act of upholding these values.
This incident has sparked a significant political debate. The decision to join a political yatra while his state faces a severe flood crisis has certainly put CM Sukhu in the spotlight. The optics of the situation, especially given the ongoing suffering in Himachal, are a key point of discussion. The BJP’s criticism centers on the immediate needs of the flood affected population versus political engagements elsewhere. The question of a leader’s presence during a crisis is paramount in such situations. The flood crisis continues to be the primary concern on the ground, demanding robust and sustained efforts for relief and rehabilitation. The political discourse, however, has added another layer to the unfolding events in Himachal Pradesh. The focus on flood relief remains critical, and the political implications are a secondary, but notable, aspect of this challenging time.