In a striking press conference on Sunday, Congress state president Karan Mahra accused the government of negligence and sluggishness in response to the devastating disaster in Dharali, Uttarkashi district. He pointed out the unwarranted delays in releasing the list of missing persons, amidst a dire scarcity of medicine, food, and water in the affected regions.
Mahra argued that the disaster's impact worsened due to years of delay in constructing two crucial Bailey bridges. Praising the armed forces, he acknowledged their swift rescue efforts that averted greater devastation, even as they mourned the loss of comrades. Mahra asserted that countless laborers remain missing and demanded immediate release of an official list plus data on deactivated phones of the victims.
Despite the closed road beyond Bhatwadi after the disaster, Karan Mahra decided to reach Dharali on foot through treacherous paths. Though initially denied permission beyond Ganganani by authorities, he trekked 50 kilometers to cross the Limchigad bridge, assisting 40-50 individuals to safety with help from SDRF personnel using ropes.
Meanwhile, BJP state president Mahendra Bhatt accused Congress' Karan Mahra of politicizing the disaster. Bhatt claimed Mahra spread confusion with false statements, questioning how Mahra reached the scene if blocked by authorities. He contended that harsh local conditions delayed relief operations, urging constructive dialogue from Mahra instead of baseless rhetoric.
