BJP playing politics when Himachal grappling with monsoon disaster: CM’s media advisor

He said the BJP leaders at both state and central levels were issuing “misleading and irresponsible statements” instead of supporting the government in seeking liberal assistance from the Centre.

By: Express News Service

Shimla | September 18, 2025 07:26 PM IST

2 min read

himachal landslide, himachal rains, himachal flood package,

A vehicle crushed under debris following a landslide triggered by heavy rains, in Shimla, Tuesday. (PTI photo)

Amidst the BJP leaders’ claims that the state government received enough financial assistance from the Centre, the principal media advisor to the Chief Minister, Naresh Chauhan, Thursday attacked the BJP for “playing politics” at a time when Himachal Pradesh is grappling with colossal losses due to the recent monsoon disaster.

He said the BJP leaders at both state and central levels were issuing “misleading and irresponsible statements” instead of supporting the government in seeking liberal assistance from the Centre.

Addressing a press conference here, Chauhan said while the state machinery was fully engaged in relief and restoration, the BJP accused the Congress government of neglecting affected families and failing to deliver financial aid. He reminded the Opposition that several ministers, including Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Deputy CM Mukesh Agnihotri, Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi, and others had personally visited disaster-hit areas.

Rejecting MP Kangana Ranaut’s claim that the Centre sanctioned Rs 10,000 crore, Chauhan challenged the BJP leaders to provide concrete evidence instead of “spreading rumours for headlines”.

Highlighting the scale of destruction, Chauhan said 419 deaths have been reported so far, with losses estimated at nearly Rs 5,000 crore — likely to rise further. He noted that despite Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcement of Rs 1,500 crore during his recent visit, the state has not received clarity on whether the aid is a grant or scheme-specific. “Even in 2023, when losses touched Rs 10,000 crore, the BJP could not secure adequate relief from the Centre,” he added.

Chauhan detailed that the state government has already released Rs 397 crore from its own resources in 2025, with Mandi, Kangra, and Shimla receiving the highest allocations. In addition, Rs 140 crore has been provided to departments and civic bodies for rehabilitation.

The government has also revised the relief manual, enhancing compensation for damaged houses, shops, cowsheds, livestock, and belongings — raising amounts by up to 10 times in some cases.

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