Yog Raj Sharma
The North News
Shimla, July 28
Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi has launched a blistering attack on former Chief Minister and Leader of the Opposition, Jairam Thakur, accusing him of endangering students by establishing a horticulture college in an unsafe location for the benefit of select BJP leaders.
Speaking at a press conference in Shimla on Sunday, Negi defended the government’s decision to relocate the college to Sundernagar, citing safety and educational concerns. He alleged that during his recent visit to Thunag in Mandi district—a disaster-affected region—BJP supporters staged a planned protest, obstructed his vehicle, and disrupted ongoing disaster relief work.
Negi claimed protestors attempted to force him into announcing an immediate reversal of the relocation decision. According to him, black flags and slippers were thrown at his vehicle, which was flying the national flag—an act he described as an insult to the nation and grounds for sedition charges.
Further intensifying his criticism, Negi accused the BJP of diverting disaster relief funds meant for victims. He alleged that cheques were being issued without proper names and the funds were being channelled to BJP supporters. He has demanded a detailed list of recipients to compare with official departmental records. Negi also criticised Thakur for lobbying the central government for funds specifically for his own constituency, while allegedly failing to back the state government’s efforts during the devastating 2023 floods in Himachal Pradesh.
Minister Negi has also criticised the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for its prolonged delay in the Vimal Negi death case, saying the agency has failed to produce any meaningful outcome despite significant time having passed.
