The Himachal Pradesh Assembly on Thursday witnessed heated exchanges between the ruling and opposition benches over demands to suspend the ongoing monsoon session in view of the widespread destruction caused by recent natural disasters.
Opposition members pressed for sending all legislators back to their constituencies to assist in relief and rescue operations.
They alleged that the government was insensitive to the crisis, pointing out that Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu had left the state to attend a political programme in Bihar even as Himachal reeled under disaster.
Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri, responding for the government, accused the opposition of politicising the tragedy.
His remarks triggered loud sloganeering from both sides, forcing Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania to adjourn the House for 15 minutes.
Proceedings resumed later with Question Hour and routine business.
Jai Ram Thakur said the situation was extremely critical and the Chief Minister should have stayed in the state to oversee relief operations instead of attending political events.
He noted that while Mandi district was the worst-hit initially, the damage had now spread across Himachal, with Chamba, Kullu and Lahaul-Spiti among the most affected.
Thousands of pilgrims were stranded during the Manimahesh Yatra without food, he said, adding that the government had not even sought helicopters from the Centre for evacuation and supply of rations.
Dr Hans Raj, MLA from Churah, echoed the concern, describing the situation in Chamba, Kullu and Lahaul-Spiti as alarming.
He urged the government to provide helicopters so that legislators could personally reach their constituencies and help people in need. He also highlighted that mobile connectivity remained cut off in tribal areas of Pangi, Bharmour and Churah in Chamba district, leaving the families unable to contact their relatives for the past three to four days.
Dr Janak Raj, MLA from Bharmour, said the region had remained cut off for 72 hours. The Khadamukh–Chamba road was in a severely damaged state, leaving thousands of vehicles stranded, he added, stressing that the government must take the situation more seriously.
Dalhousie BJP MLA D S Thakur also drew attention to similar difficulties in his constituency.
Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania expressed hope that the government would address the concerns raised by members.
Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri, however, dismissed the opposition’s allegations as misleading.
He said an impression was being created that the government was inactive, whereas the administration was fully engaged in relief and rehabilitation.
He acknowledged that Chamba was among the worst-affected districts and assured that the Chief Secretary was in constant touch with deputy commissioners to monitor the situation.
He further informed the House that the national highway from Pathankot to Chamba had already been restored for traffic.