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BJP MLA and Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur on Saturday defended his recent visit to Delhi and meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying discussions focused on the situation in Himachal Pradesh, including the ongoing monsoon-related damage and the assistance required for the state.
Speaking to ANI, Thakur said his meeting with the Prime Minister was part of his political and constitutional responsibilities and that the situation in Himachal Pradesh was naturally discussed during the interaction. "Whenever we meet the Prime Minister, there is naturally a discussion about what is happening in the state, the prevailing circumstances, the rainfall situation and several other issues concerning Himachal Pradesh," Thakur said. His remarks came after Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu questioned the BJP leader's repeated visits to Delhi and alleged that despite the Centre's announcements of financial assistance of around Rs 1,500 crore, the amount had not reached the state. Responding to the criticism, Thakur claimed that the Centre had provided Himachal Pradesh with assistance exceeding the amount sought by the state during the disaster. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi has provided Himachal Pradesh not less than its due share but more than what was requested on several occasions. During the disaster, the state has received more money than what was sought," Thakur said. However, he questioned whether the assistance had reached families directly affected by the disaster. "The question is whether that money has reached the poor families whose houses and livelihoods have been destroyed. The Chief Minister has to answer that," he said. Thakur said the Centre had extended full assistance to Himachal Pradesh and reiterated that the state government should ensure that the benefits reached affected families. He said his meeting with the Prime Minister also involved discussions on future support and development requirements of Himachal Pradesh. "The Prime Minister has always assured that the Centre will extend cooperation to Himachal Pradesh for relief as well as development," Thakur said. Thakur also rejected the suggestion that meeting the Prime Minister was an attempt to undermine the state government, saying that the Opposition wanted the state's interests to be protected just as much as the ruling party. "Just because we are in the Opposition does not mean that we want less for Himachal Pradesh. The Opposition wants the welfare of the state as much as anyone in the government," he said. (ANI)
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