Shimla, July 1 -- Former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition in Himachal Pradesh, Jai Ram Thakur, on Tuesday expressed grave concern over the extensive damage caused by rains in the state over the last two days, especially in the Mandi and Kullu districts, and lashed out at the Congress government "for failing to restore" communication and road access in affected areas.

The BJP leader also launched a scathing attack on Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh, who has been accused of assaulting a National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) official. He demanded the minister's immediate dismissal from the Cabinet and criminal prosecution under Section 307 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

"There has been huge destruc...