Shimla: Puneet Malli, the newly appointed director by the Himachal Pradesh government, has launched a fierce critique against the BJP and the central government regarding their response to the ongoing natural disaster relief efforts in the region. Malli accused the BJP of failing to support the state, especially following the severe flash floods and landslides that have wreaked havoc.

In a pointed statement, Malli expressed that the central government has displayed a neglectful attitude towards Himachal Pradesh, leaving its residents to endure the aftermath of the calamity. He remarked, “The seven BJP MPs from Himachal Pradesh and the central government have not provided any substantial relief to the families affected. Their efforts to alleviate the suffering of the people have been inadequate.”

Malli further condemned the central government for its lack of assistance, despite the state incurring losses exceeding Rs 15,000 crore due to rain-related disasters over the past few years. He stressed that, given the extent of the destruction, the Centre has not offered any special relief package.

“The Centre has not allocated a single rupee in terms of a relief package against the Rs 10,000 crore losses identified in the 2023 Post Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) report,” Malli highlighted.

He also pointed out the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF), which are typically distributed to state governments annually, regardless of disaster occurrences. “These funds are available to all states each year, yet no extra assistance was provided to Himachal Pradesh this year, despite the significant damage,” he noted.

Malli accused the BJP of leveraging the disaster for political advantage instead of prioritizing genuine relief efforts. “The BJP seems more focused on gaining political mileage from the disaster. Not a single prominent BJP leader, including MP Kangana Ranaut, has been seen assisting the victims on the ground. They have abandoned those affected to rely on divine intervention while their leaders are preoccupied with making statements,” he stated.

In contrast, he praised Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and his administration, stating, “It is the Chief Minister and his government, along with the ministers and legislators, who are actively reaching out to the affected families and providing immediate assistance.”