SHIMLA, 20.06.25-Naresh Chauhan, Principal Advisor (Media) to the Chief Minister, today strongly criticised the Central Government’s announcement of Rs. 2,006 crore as disaster aid for Himachal Pradesh, calling it both “too little and too late." He said it is a matter of grave concern that against the State’s meticulously prepared Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA), which estimated losses of around Rs. 10,000 crore, the Centre has sanctioned a paltry amount of which only Rs. 1,500 crore is the actual central share, while the remaining is the contribution of the State Government itself. He said it was not just the Central Government but also Union Minister Anurag Thakur, who failed to ensure that the State received a fair and just relief package on time.
He said such a small and symbolic response is a clear betrayal of the hopes and needs of the people of Himachal Pradesh, who faced widespread devastation due to an unprecedented natural disaster. Despite repeated requests, follow-ups, and high-level meetings by the State Government, the Central Government, along with Anurag Thakur, showed neither urgency nor the compassion expected in a crisis of this magnitude.
Naresh Chauhan said that while the Centre remained indifferent, the Himachal Pradesh Government under Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu proactively launched a Rs. 4,500 crore relief and rehabilitation package from its own limited resources. This reflects the Government’s deep commitment to its people and its determination to rebuild lives and infrastructure without waiting for political favours.
He strongly criticised the Centre for releasing aid nearly one and a half years after the disaster, saying this delay exposed the Union Government’s indifferent attitude towards non-BJP ruled states. “The Centre is treating Himachal Pradesh like an orphaned state simply because its people elected a Congress government. This kind of political bias and discriminatory treatment is shameful in a democracy,” he said.
He said that Anurag Thakur, who is not only a Union Minister but also a representative of Himachal and a son of this soil, failed to stand up for the State in its hour of need which is very disappointing. He neither fought for Himachal’s rightful dues nor used his position to ensure timely support from the Centre.”
He added that instead of defending the State’s interests, Anurag Thakur remained silent and complicit, reflecting a complete abdication of responsibility expected from a leader holding national office.
He further said that recent conduct of BJP leaders in Paonta Sahib is highly irresponsible and provocative. The communal slogans raised during BJP’s protest deeply hurt the sentiments of the community and were clearly intended to disturb peace and harmony in the region. He said that it is clearly evident that BJP leaders in Himachal are deliberately creating unnecessary uproar over various issues and trying to destabilise the social fabric of the State. Rather than standing united for Himachal’s needs, they are misleading the Centre and engaging in divisive politics.
Naresh Chauhan said the Union Government must rise above partisanship and stand by Himachal Pradesh in both letter and spirit. “Relief and justice should never be denied to those already suffering. Himachal deserves respect, fairness and timely support not delayed favours and political indifference, he added.