In the wake of the recent rain disaster and house collapses in Himachal Pradesh, the blame game initiated by Chief Minister Shukhvinder Singh Sukhu, who pointed fingers at Bihari masons, is not only misguided but also deeply divisive. Such attempts to scapegoat a particular group of people distract from the real issues at hand and undermine the collective spirit needed in times of crisis.
It’s disappointing to see a leader resort to divisive rhetoric rather than addressing the root causes of the disaster. Blaming a specific community detracts from the urgency of finding solutions to prevent such tragedies in the future. The rain disaster is a result of multiple factors, including rampant commercialisation, poor urban planning, and lack of disaster preparedness, which transcend regional boundaries.
Sukhu’s statement not only unfairly targets Bihari masons, but it also threatens to fuel regional tensions and animosity. Such divisive remarks can have far-reaching consequences, leading to stigmatisation and further marginalisation of vulnerable communities. It’s crucial for leaders to rise above such rhetoric and instead focus on uniting people to work towards a safer and more resilient future for the state.
Rather than placing blame on a particular group, the Chief Minister should channel his efforts into investigating the structural and systemic failures that contributed to the disaster. This requires a comprehensive assessment of building codes, land-use planning, and infrastructure development. By addressing these issues, the government can take tangible steps towards preventing future disasters and protecting the lives and homes of all residents, regardless of their origin.
In times of crisis, leaders are expected to demonstrate empathy, understanding, and a commitment to finding solutions. Blaming a specific group only serves to deflect responsibility and create divisions. It’s high time that political leaders take a more responsible and inclusive approach to governance, focusing on collaboration and unity rather than sowing the seeds of discord. Only through collective efforts and a genuine commitment to change can Himachal Pradesh truly progress and become more resilient in the face of natural disasters.
