Remark about “Bihari architects” brings the Himachal CM Sukhu under fire; BJP and AAP advise against finger-pointing

Himachal Pradesh has endured an unprecedented wave of devastation during the monsoon season, resulting in a loss of 300 lives and approximately Rs 10,000 crore worth of property damage since July.

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu’s mention of “Bihari architects” while discussing the widespread destruction in the state during an interview with The Indian Express has triggered a strong backlash from the opposition, targeting the Congress-led government.

The former urban development minister and senior BJP leader from the state, Suresh Bhardwaj, criticized the CM’s statement, emphasizing that blame should not be placed on laborers and craftsmen who are seeking to earn a livelihood. He urged the CM to focus on relief efforts and implement a more scientifically driven development approach.

The senior AAP leader and spokesperson, Malwinder Singh Kang, condemned Sukhu’s remarks as “irresponsible,” stating that such statements reflect a divisive mentality. Kang emphasized that unity as Indians should take precedence and questioned the logic of blaming a hardworking community for structural issues caused by government failures.

Sukhu attempted to distance himself from the controversial statement, claiming he had never made such remarks. He highlighted his efforts to evacuate people from Bihar during the crisis and referred to them as “our brothers.”

Regarding houses collapsing due to non-compliance with structural engineering norms, Sukhu questioned the role of “Bihari architects” before being reminded by the reporter of the Solan deputy commissioner’s initiatives to train masons and construction workers. Sukhu continued by highlighting the lack of local masons and their disregard for structural design, using the term “Bihari architects” to describe them, while acknowledging the rapid construction but expressing concerns about the quality.