Shimla, Aug. 19 -- The Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu-led Congress government and main opposition party - Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) traded barbs over relief measures, compensation, and the government's handling of post-disaster challenges on day one of the monsoon session that commenced on Monday.

"The first person to reach Seraj during the disaster was the chief minister, even when I was advised against the same owing to bad weather," said CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu during the discussion on the recent natural disaster that caused large-scale destruction in the state with Mandi district witnessing maximum damage.

"No special relief package was received from the Centre, relief should be given when there is pain and it is needed the most," said...