MANDI, 26 July: Revenue and Horticulture Minister Jagat Singh Negi encountered a wave of public anger and BJP-led protests during his visit to disaster-affected areas in the Seraj Assembly constituency—home turf of former Chief Minister and current Leader of the Opposition Jai Ram Thakur.
Negi was in the region to assess the damage caused by recent torrential rains and landslides, but his visit turned hostile as BJP supporters confronted him over remarks he allegedly made earlier in the wake of the calamity.
The protest, led by local BJP leader Bhisham Thakur, erupted over a reported comment by the minister, who allegedly said, “Ab maja aaya Seraj ke logon ko”—a remark that protesters condemned as deeply hurtful, especially in light of the 29 deaths and extensive destruction the region suffered.
They also objected to Negi’s alleged dig at Jai Ram Thakur, suggesting that the former CM only now understood the impact of natural disasters because it had hit his own constituency.
As Negi reached Janjehli, BJP workers waved black flags and raised slogans demanding his resignation. The unrest peaked outside the Thunag rest house, where the minister was holding a review meeting with officials. Women and men from nearby areas gathered in large numbers, insisting that Negi come out and face them directly.
When the minister finally exited, protesters surrounded his vehicle, blocking its movement. Police forces had to intervene to disperse the crowd and ensure his departure.
Despite the protest, Minister Negi chaired a high-level review meeting in Thunag to oversee the status of relief and rehabilitation measures. Reaffirming the government’s commitment, he stated, “The top priority of the state government under Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu is to ensure relief reaches every affected person in Seraj.”
Negi outlined key figures:
- ₹2.14 crore had already been disbursed in Mandi district, with ₹45 lakh specifically for Thunag.
- ₹1.55 crore had been sanctioned for damages to homes and private property, including ₹1.35 crore for Thunag.
- Over 4,000 ration kits, 865 blankets, and 5,100 tarpaulins had been distributed.
- 103 roads had been restored, and work on another 37 was underway.
- Under MGNREGA, 401 works worth ₹9 crore had begun in Seraj, including 292 footpaths, 62 pedestrian bridges, and three protection walls.
- ₹40 lakh was sanctioned for debris clearance at Pandav Shila, Kuthah, Thunag Bazaar, and Sanglawara.
As the political tension simmers, the incident has reignited questions over the tone and conduct of public officials in the face of human tragedy. While the state pushes forward with its relief efforts, the opposition has made it clear that it intends to hold the minister accountable not just for rehabilitation, but also for his words.
