SHIMLA: The hundreds of shattered homes still echo the pangs of natural disaster across Himachal Pradesh. But the leaders of various political parties in the region seem to prioritize their "Political Ends First" over the "Humans First" stance, forgetting their Rajdharm.
Himachal Pradesh finds itself ravaged by floods, yet the focus has shifted to political gains rather than immediate relief efforts.
Both the Himachal-bred BJP and the ruling Congress leaders are locked in a “clamour over politics of funds" from the BJP-led Center, while the flood-hit populace of Himachal fights for survival.
This distressing situation extends beyond Himachal's borders. At best, the neighboring states like Punjab, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Delhi and the UTs of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh have maintained their cold distance from the suffering people of Himachal.
It has been gathered that Haryana has contributed Rs 5 Crore for the disaster relief, but others have kept a cold distance.
At worst, the immediate neighbours are similarly entangled in political maneuvering rather than offering solidarity and help. Despite these regions sharing a common inter-state mobility and cross culture ties, the prevalent sentiment revolves around party rivalries.
It appears that those running the engine of governance in Northern landscape of the country seemed to have forgotten their Rajdharam towards the suffering humanity.
Nature does not select targets, only humans mainly politicians do. Today, if it is Himachal, which is suffering and crying for help, tomorrow it can be any other Neighbour in this era of climate change.
However, amidst the political discord, glimmers of hope emerge. Distant states like Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh, both led by the Congress, have extended a helping hand, providing crucial funds of Rs 15 crore and Rs 11 crore respectively to help flood-battered people of Himachal.
But this help has poured in just because, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Himachal Pradesh are ruled by the Congress party.
The Khattar-led Haryana Government has also shown an example of positive politics that has emerged a new hope in the region and others should also follow the suit.
Have Rajnetas-CMs like Pushpar Singh Dhami, Uttarakhand, Bhagwant Singh Mann(Punjab), Kejriwal in Delhi have turned their back towards the suffering humanity of Himachal? All of them had toured Himachal and had addressed people in the series of rallies promising this or that. Are their roles just end here and just to fool people?
Over 350 lives are mourned in which over 30 people, in many cases entire families and three generation of family perished in heart of the Capital city of Shimla alone. And thousands remain mauled by forces of nature. Over 15000 families have lost their dream homes in Himachal Pradesh.
But there is a bitter realization that has emerged from the ruins: political agenda trumps solidarity and compassion even in the face of Disaster in this ruthless era of fierce politicking.
This worrying trend is jeopardizing democratic foundation and federalism and healthy political culture of the country. The public perception is that political parties, whether BJP, Congress, AAP, or others, prioritize their political agendas over human welfare, eroding the essence of their responsibilities and Rajdharma.
Delhi is getting water from the Renuka ji Dam, but Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal has chosen to be silent maybe because AAP has no political stakes in Himachal.
The Himalayan region, known for its solidarity and hospitality, faces recurring natural disasters- remember Kedarnath tragedy in Uttarakhand in june 2013 which had killed over 2000 people and Flashfloods in Ladakh in August 2010 that had killed 250 people.
The suffering in Himachal Pradesh echoes across the neighboring states, which have, unfortunately, failed to stand by their afflicted brethren. The ties that bind these states together are more than geographical; they are cultural and historical.
But even in this hour of crisis, political dissensions are taking precedence over the shared human experience. The leaders' actions reflect a dangerous political legacy, setting a precedent that undermines the spirit of unity during crises. The imperative of "coming together as humans first" is overshadowed by political vendettas and agendas.
Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Haryana's commendable contributions provide a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness. Their financial support is a lifeline for Himachal's recovery.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and Congress President Pratibha Singh express gratitude for this timely assistance, urging others to join hands in the relief efforts, They are seeking liberal economic package of worth Rs 10,000 Crore to rebuild Himachal Pradesh.
The road to recovery remains challenging. Himachal's predicament underscores the importance of placing humanity before politics.
The question still arises: will Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, and the UTs of Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir rise above political agendas and extend a helping hand?
