Kuldeep Singh Rathore Demands Strong Centre’s Support for Himachal

Slams Shanta Kumar’s Remarks on Rahul Gandhi

Shimla, September 9, 2025: All India Congress Committee Spokesperson and Theog MLA, Kuldeep Singh Rathore, stated that the recent natural disaster has caused an estimated loss of ₹5,000 crore to Himachal Pradesh, which may further increase given the prevailing situation. Stressing the urgent need for environmental conservation, he said that strict vigilance and a complete ban on illegal tree felling and mining is necessary. Rathore also emphasized that the quality of road construction must be monitored carefully, while landslide-prone areas should be identified and rectified in time to prevent further losses.

He added that while the state government is working tirelessly to provide relief to affected people, central assistance is crucial. Highlighting that Himachal has sent four Lok Sabha and three Rajya Sabha MPs to Parliament, Rathore urged the BJP MPs from the state to come together and press the Union Government for special financial aid for disaster relief. He said this is a time for unity, not politics.

Turning his attention to former Chief Minister Shanta Kumar’s remarks on Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, Rathore strongly criticized the statement, saying Shanta Kumar had no right to insult their leader. He remarked that at his age, Shanta Kumar should speak with greater responsibility. Rathore further accused him of being neither a successful CM nor a leader who could complete his term, recalling the atrocities on apple growers during his tenure, including police firing, which orchardists have not forgotten.

He asserted that Rahul Gandhi holds the constitutional position of Leader of Opposition, and the Congress will not tolerate any insult against him. Rathore demanded that Shanta Kumar issue a public apology to Rahul Gandhi for his “narrow-minded comment.”