BJP leader demands dismissal of Uttrakhand CM

NEW DELHI: Senior BJP leader from Bihar Ashwini Choubey today attacked the Centre and demanded the dismissal of Uttarkhand Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna over the "failure" to tackle properly the recent flash floods in the hill states, which led to numerous deaths.

Choubey, who was also trapped at Badrinath during the calamity, also condemned Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for "not making any serious attempt to rescue him" even as he had informed senior officials of the statement government on mobile about his status.

Choubey said that only eight persons, including him, could survive among the 15 persons, who had gone with him on the pilgrimage.

"During this entire event, adequate arrangements were not made by the Uttarakhand government," he said.

Choubey also took objection to the decision of not giving death certificates to those missing after the incident, though the government has paid them compensation treating them as dead.

"Due to absence of death certificates, their family members are not being able to get insurance claims and bank deposits made by the deceased persons. This is a cruel joke with the Hindu pilgrims," Choubey said.