Manimahesh Tragedy Exposed Govt’s Failure – Jairam Thakur Calls Out Sukhu

Shimla, August 31, 2025: Former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur strongly criticized the Sukhu government for mishandling the Manimahesh Yatra, alleging that thousands of pilgrims remained stranded for days without adequate rescue or relief measures. He said eyewitnesses revealed that lives were lost in the disaster while the government tried to conceal the scale of the tragedy. Thakur termed it unfortunate that even ministers were accused of misbehaving with distressed devotees, calling it “shameful conduct.”

He alleged that despite the devastation, the Chief Minister remained busy in political tours and only made a superficial visit without surveying the worst-affected areas. Thakur also condemned reports of exorbitant charges being taken from pilgrims for chopper services, saying the government failed to control such exploitation. He, however, lauded the people of Chamba for upholding the tradition of *Atithi Devo Bhava* by extending full care and respect to the stranded pilgrims.

Later in Fagu, Thakur listened to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Mann Ki Baat and appealed to the people of Himachal Pradesh to join the PM’s Swadeshi campaign. He said the BJP and common citizens had contributed wholeheartedly to aid disaster victims, ensuring timely relief and supplies even during the crisis.