Disrespecting the National Flag by Throwing Black Cloth, Shoes at Official Vehicle: Jagat Singh Negi

Shimla, July 27:
Revenue, Horticulture, Tribal Development and Public Grievances Minister Jagat Singh Negi has termed the recent incident in Thunag a deliberate conspiracy by the BJP. Addressing a press conference on Sunday, Negi stated that black cloth, shoes, and slippers were hurled at his official vehicle bearing the national flag, which he called a direct insult to the Tricolour. He further alleged that BJP workers also pelted stones at the vehicle and clashed with police, disrupting relief operations in a premeditated attempt to politicize the situation.

Negi asserted that those who claim to be carrying out ‘Tiranga Yatras’ are themselves guilty of dishonouring the flag, and those involved should be booked for sedition. He criticized Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur and BJP State President Dr. Rajeev Bindal for not condemning the incident, calling their silence “shameful.”

He claimed that the protest in Thunag was orchestrated by BJP leaders and local traders. Referring to past events, Negi reminded that during the previous Congress government, MLAs were booked for sedition for obstructing the Governor’s convoy—pointing out that he, too, holds a constitutional post and this incident falls within the same legal purview.

The minister was in Mandi district, visiting disaster-affected areas, and had reached Thunag via Bagsyad, where a delegation requested him not to shift the Horticulture and Forestry College from Thunag, citing threats to local livelihoods. Negi clarified that the college was being temporarily relocated to ensure student safety, as continuing education in the current building was unsafe following the disaster.

He noted that nearly 300 students study in the college, and due to damage, classes cannot continue in the present premises. The decision was taken in consultation with the Chief Minister. Students were reportedly being overcharged for rented accommodations in Thunag, and no suitable building in the Seraj area was found to conduct classes safely.

Negi accused the protestors in Thunag of not listening to him and creating a ruckus instead. As he exited after a meeting at the rest house, his vehicle was surrounded by women, BJP workers, and traders, and shoes and slippers were thrown at it. He blamed the previous BJP government for building a rest house and helipad in the area but failing to construct a hostel for the college. He further alleged that many buildings in Thunag are illegally constructed, and even the Pharmacy College was built between two streams, posing a safety risk. The BJP, he claimed, misused government funds and left behind vacant buildings.

The Revenue Minister also spoke about ongoing relief efforts, emphasizing that the government is providing all possible assistance to those affected by the disaster. He accused BJP leaders of soliciting blank cheques from donors, intending to favour certain individuals. He demanded that the BJP publish a list of donated materials, which could then be cross-verified with the government’s inventory to ensure fair distribution.

He highlighted that Daisy village in Seraj suffered the most damage and that construction of retaining walls has already begun there. Taking a jab at Jai Ram Thakur, he said, “If the Leader of Opposition walked 17 kilometers, he’d have reached the moon by now.” He pointed out that schools in Lambathach are filled with debris, but Jai Ram hasn’t visited the area.

Negi concluded by saying that the state government will announce a new relief package, similar to that of 2023, to resettle affected families. He affirmed that both the Chief Minister and the state government stand firmly with disaster-hit families, and no effort will be spared in their rehabilitation.