Himachal Revenue Minister defends college relocation, alleges BJP insulted national flag during protest

Himachal Pradesh Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi has strongly defended the state government’s decision to shift the College of Horticulture and Forestry from Thunag to Sundernagar in Mandi district, stating that the move was made purely on safety grounds.

He alleged that a few local businessmen and BJP workers were politicizing the issue for personal gain, even going so far as to insult the national flag during a protest in Thunag.

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While addressing the media here on Sunday, Negi said, “It is not right to put the lives of children at risk just to benefit a few businessmen. The area has experienced recurring natural disasters in 2023 and 2024. Many students staying in rented houses told us they do not feel safe returning. The decision to shift the college was taken after discussions with the university and due consideration of the risks involved.”

Negi reiterated that the relocation was based on safety concerns and student feedback, and emphasized that there was no vacant land available in the Seraj area for constructing proper college infrastructure.

He further alleged that during his visit to the rain-affected areas of Mandi district, BJP workers and some businessmen disrupted the peace.

“They surrounded my vehicle in Lambathach, hurled slipper-like objects at it, waved black cloth, and tried to block my official vehicle. My vehicle carried the national flag, which was disrespected. This is a serious matter, and a case of sedition could be registered,” he warned.

“The general public is benefiting from the state government’s rehabilitation efforts, and there has been no protest from their side. It is only local BJP leaders and traders who are raising objections. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu is personally looking into the matter,” he added.

Negi clarified that he began his tour from Gohar and moved through Bagshad and Thunag, inspecting relief and rehabilitation work.

“I met affected families, visited damaged sites, and convened a review meeting with senior district officials. There was no resentment among the public. Only a few individuals, mostly BJP supporters, were attempting to pressure the government to reverse its decision on the college,” he stated.

He also criticized Leader of the Opposition Jai Ram Thakur for not visiting even a single school affected by the calamity.

“One school building filled with silt was not visited by him. I had a JCB deployed there immediately. A district-level high-level committee meeting was also held,” he said.

Negi accused BJP leaders of misleading the public and politicizing disaster relief efforts.

“There is no transparency in the relief distribution they are talking about. And those accusing me of running away should understand that I went there to inspect, not to settle permanently,” he remarked.

He also took aim at BJP leader Dr. Rajeev Bindal for supporting the protest, saying, “The real shameful incident was not the relocation of the college, but the insult to the national flag.”