Himachal: 65 booked for protesting against Minister Jagat Negi
Babushahi Bureau
Mandi (Himachal Pradesh), July 26, 2025 – Tensions flared in Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi district as three separate FIRs were lodged at Janjehli police station against 65 individuals, including BJP workers, for staging a protest against Revenue and Horticulture Minister Jagat Singh Negi.
The charges include blocking the minister’s convoy, waving black flags, pelting stones, and even hurling a shoe.
The incident took place in Thunag, amidst growing public anger over the proposed relocation of the Horticulture and Forestry College from the area. Local residents and BJP supporters have been actively protesting the move, claiming it is politically motivated.
According to police reports, the first FIR, filed by Congress leader Jagdish Reddy, names 57 people who allegedly obstructed the minister’s route and showed black flags. The second FIR includes accusations of stone-pelting and issuing life threats, registered under IPC sections 125, 351(2), and 352.
The third complaint, filed by women protestors, accuses seven of halting the minister’s car and throwing a shoe during slogans against the college relocation.
Police officials confirmed legal proceedings are underway and further action will follow the investigation.
CM Sukhu Condemns BJP's Actions
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu condemned the protest as "unfortunate and shameful", accusing BJP of disrupting relief efforts in flood and landslide affected areas. "Instead of supporting rehabilitation work, BJP chose to politicize the issue with undemocratic behavior," Sukhu said on social media.
He warned that strict action will be taken against those obstructing disaster relief operations, calling BJP’s actions a violation of humanitarian values.
Senior BJP leader and MLA Satpal Singh Satti countered the CM’s remarks in a press conference in Shimla, blaming the Congress government for political vendetta and halting key development projects. He alleged that despite prior approvals and funding, the horticulture college project in Seraj constituency, initiated by former CM Jairam Thakur, was stalled under the current regime.
Satti accused the government of misleading the public and using the disaster as an excuse to sabotage infrastructure development in BJP-held constituencies.