Archive · 21 Jul 2026
Political Leaders Clash Over Rain Disaster Response in J-K
There was a big rain disaster in some parts of Jammu and Kashmir, and many people died or are missing.
A leader from the BJP party said the government did not help enough.
But leaders from the Congress party and an independent leader said they were there helping and that the BJP leader was just trying to make the situation political.
They all argued about who did what and when, but the main thing is that many people need help and the leaders should work together to help them.
At least 23 people killed and 7 missing in rain-related incidents in Poonch, Rajouri, and Doda districts.
BJP leader Sunil Sharma accused the National Conference-led government of failing to respond effectively and being absent during the crisis.
Congress MLA Iftikhar Ahmad and Independent MLA Muzaffar Khan criticized Sharma for politicizing the tragedy and asserted they were present on the ground helping affected families.
Sharma urged the government to suspend all political activities and focus on relief efforts, while Ahmad and Khan urged Sharma to press for a special relief package.
Khan defended the statehood protest in Delhi, stating it was planned well in advance and linked to the region's identity and future.
- Who
- BJP leader Sunil Sharma, Congress MLA Iftikhar Ahmad, Independent MLA Muzaffar Khan, National Conference-led government, affected families in Poonch, Rajouri, and Doda districts
- What
- Political leaders clashing over the government's response to rain-related disasters in Jammu and Kashmir
- When
- Since Sunday, with recent statements made on Tuesday, July 21
- Where
- Poonch, Rajouri, and Doda districts in Jammu and Kashmir
- Why
- Disagreements over the government's effectiveness in responding to the crisis and the politicization of the tragedy
BJP's Criticism of Government Response
Congress and Independent MLA's Defense
Government's Absence During Crisis
BJP's Criticism of Government Response
BJP leader Sunil Sharma accused the National Conference-led government of failing to respond effectively and being absent during the crisis.
Congress and Independent MLA's Defense
Congress MLA Iftikhar Ahmad and Independent MLA Muzaffar Khan asserted that they were present on the ground and criticized Sharma for politicizing the tragedy.
Politicization of the Tragedy
BJP's Criticism of Government Response
Sharma urged the government to suspend all political activities and focus on relief efforts.
Congress and Independent MLA's Defense
Ahmad and Khan accused Sharma of politicizing the tragedy and urged him to press for a special relief package instead of making political statements.
Statehood Protest
BJP's Criticism of Government Response
Sharma criticized the decision to go ahead with the statehood protest in Delhi, suggesting it was inappropriate during the crisis.
Congress and Independent MLA's Defense
Khan defended the protest, stating it was planned well in advance and linked to the region's identity and future.
- Casualties
- At least 23 people killed, 7 missing
- Affected Districts
- Poonch, Rajouri, Doda
- BJP's Demands
- Ex-gratia relief of Rs 20 lakh per deceased, six months' ration, financial assistance for rebuilding, compensation for crop losses, restoration of damaged religious sites, and a comprehensive rehabilitation package for traders and businesses
- Government's Response
- Announced Rs 6 lakh assistance for families of the deceased
- BJP's Action
- Postponed scheduled protest to focus on relief efforts
- Congress and Independent MLA's Actions
- Present on the ground with affected families, criticized BJP for politicizing the tragedy