Union Minister and BJP National President JP Nadda has strongly criticized the Congress-led Himachal Pradesh government for its slow response in utilizing disaster relief funds amid the ongoing monsoon havoc in the state. Speaking on Wednesday, Nadda pointed out that only 21.7% of the Rs 360.11 crore allocated for relief work has been used, despite the worsening disaster situation across the region.
Nadda stated that the Central Government had provided substantial support to Himachal Pradesh between 2023 and 2025 including Rs 1,736 crore through the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF), Rs 1,071 crore via the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF), and Rs 339 crore to the State Disaster Mitigation Fund. “This shows that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the Centre has consistently stood by Himachal Pradesh in both word and deed,” he asserted.
The BJP leader warned the state government that it had one year to utilise the remaining funds, adding, “Despite the inaction at the state level, the Prime Minister and the Central Government remain committed to supporting Himachal Pradesh.”
Expressing grief over the recent natural calamities, Nadda said, “I offer my heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost loved ones in the cloudbursts and flash floods. The BJP stands in full solidarity with the victims and is actively engaged in rescue operations.”
According to the Himachal Pradesh Disaster Management Authority, at least 51 people have died since June 20, including 30 from rain-related events such as floods, landslides, and cloudbursts, and 21 due to road accidents. Officials also report 34 people missing, with Mandi district suffering the heaviest losses recording 10 deaths in just two days.
Special Secretary DC Rana of the Revenue and Disaster Management Department confirmed that the monsoon entered Himachal on June 19, and heavy rains on June 29 and 30 triggered severe destruction. “Multiple cloudbursts and flash floods have hit several regions, and the full extent of casualties and damage will become clearer once communication lines in remote areas are restored,” Rana noted.
With extreme weather events on the rise and questions mounting over the state’s preparedness, Nadda’s remarks spotlight the growing tension between state and central authorities over disaster management and accountability.