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Understanding ‘Bandarbant’ in Himachal: PM Modi’s Allegations Explained
Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently made headlines with his claim that the Himachal Pradesh government indiscriminately distributed flood relief funds. This accusation, made during rallies in Nahan and Mandi, has sparked a political storm, with counter-accusations from Congress leaders. Let’s delve into the reasons behind Modi’s statements and the broader political context.
The Context of Modi’s Allegation
Prime Minister Modi accused the Himachal Pradesh government, led by Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu, of distributing hundreds of crores of rupees in flood relief funds without proper oversight. He stated, “The Centre sent hundreds of crores of rupees to the state government after last year’s disaster, but those funds too were distributed indiscriminately… This government’s collapse is imminent.”
The Funds in Question
Modi referred to the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) and the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF), through which Himachal Pradesh received Rs 1,148 crore in relief funds over 2023 and 2024. The SDRF is the primary fund available to state governments for responding to notified disasters, with the Centre contributing 90% for special category states like Himachal Pradesh. The NDRF supplements the SDRF in cases of severe disasters, with all contributions from the Centre.
Accusations of ‘Bandarbant’
Former Chief Minister and Leader of the Opposition Jairam Thakur of the BJP alleged that the Himachal Pradesh government distributed relief funds selectively, often manually through MLAs and ministers, which violates standard procedures. He claimed that Congress party members received preferential treatment, while BJP supporters were ignored. Thakur also alleged that the state government raised relief amounts significantly without following proper protocols, potentially to influence voters.
State Government’s Response
The Himachal Pradesh government has strongly denied these allegations. A senior bureaucrat in the state’s Department of Revenue and Disaster Management stated that NDRF and SDRF funds must be used according to strict guidelines set by the Ministry of Home Affairs. CM Sukhu’s principal adviser, Naresh Chauhan, called Modi’s allegations baseless and accused local BJP leaders of spreading misinformation.
Chauhan emphasized that the NDRF and SDRF are entitlements for every state and accused the Centre of not providing adequate support to Himachal Pradesh, comparing it unfavorably with the aid Gujarat received after the 2021 earthquake. According to him, the state has already distributed Rs 4,500 crore to victims.
The Broader Political Battle
The Congress government in Himachal Pradesh has accused the Centre of neglecting the state’s needs. After severe rains in July-August 2023 killed 441 people and damaged over 14,000 houses, the state requested Rs 9,900 crore in disaster relief but received only Rs 360 crore under the SDRF in December 2023. The state government also launched its own disaster relief fund, appealing for donations from across India.
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Conclusion
Prime Minister Modi’s accusations of ‘bandarbant’ in Himachal Pradesh highlight the ongoing political battle between the BJP and Congress over disaster relief funds and governance. While the BJP accuses the state government of mismanagement and favoritism, the Congress counters that the Centre is not providing sufficient support. This controversy underscores the complex interplay of politics and disaster management in India.
