Revenue and Horticulture Minister Jagat Singh Negi takes a jibe at Bharatiya Janata Party MP Kangana Ranaut for her remarks accusing the Himachal Congress government of misusing flood funds and not doing anything for flash floods victims in the state.
'It is not the right time to play politics', said Negi on Wednesday, a day after Kangana's remarks, urging her to speak with more responsibility.
He argued that such statements demoralise rescue workers risking their lives and claimed Ranaut was misinformed about the situation.
Negi pointed out that Ranaut's visit came after the weather had improved, and she was criticising those who had been working tirelessly since the disaster struck. He also questioned her knowledge of the relief efforts, citing her demand for an inquiry into the allocation of funds from last year's Rs 1,800 crore package.
Ranaut's comments came after she interacted with victims in Samej village, where 30 people are still missing. She described the tragedy as "heart-wrenching" and called for immediate financial assistance to affected families.
"It is a heart-wrenching tragedy. People have lost all their family members, including children. They are in trauma. I would request the state government to provide immediate relief (financial assistance) to the affected families. I cannot see anything being done by the state government, this is inhuman," she added.
However, Negi's scathing response highlighted the political tensions surrounding the disaster, which has claimed 16 lives and left over 35 people missing.
The floods, triggered by cloudbursts, devastated areas in Kullu, Mandi, and Shimla on July 31.
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