Shimla, November 18, 2025 — Himachal Pradesh Leader of the Opposition and former Chief Minister Jairam Thakur has strongly criticized the state government for its delayed response towards disaster relief and rehabilitation efforts over the past three years. He alleged that while nearly 480 people lost their lives and 41 remain missing due to natural calamities between 2023 and 2025, the government continued to prioritize political celebrations over urgent relief.
Thakur pointed out that more than 30,000 animals and birds perished, thousands of families were affected, and basic services are still not fully restored in many areas. He disputed the government’s reported figures of 1,800 fully damaged and 300 partially damaged houses, calling them inaccurate and far from the reality. Many families, he said, had still not received adequate assistance even five months after the worst disasters.
Highlighting the insensitivity of the government, he condemned the decision to hold celebrations in Mandi district, where over 50 disaster-related deaths have occurred. He also criticized the insufficient relief provided to 1,513 fully damaged homes and accused the government of excluding many affected families from its support schemes.
Regarding his claims about government negligence, Jairam Thakur cited the lack of visits by ministers to major disaster sites such as Sundernagar, which witnessed seven deaths, and Bilaspur, devastated by a fatal landslide killing 16 people. Thakur also alleged slow progress in development works, delayed payments to government employees and pensioners, and unpaid contractors’ bills.
On the political front, he accused the government of attempting to delay the upcoming panchayat and municipal elections by invoking the Disaster Management Act. He noted that boundary notifications were only issued following intervention by courts and the State Election Commission.
Thakur also criticized Congress leadership for lacking achievements and diverting public attention. Referring to recent Bihar election results, he asserted that the Congress is weakened and called on the Himachal government to cancel planned celebratory events to instead prioritize supporting disaster-affected families.