Uttarakhand floods: 'Upsetting to see a leader like Swaraj stoop to such low level,' says Harak Singh

Reacting to senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Sushma Swaraj's tweet where she accuses the Congress-led Uttarakhand government for the devastation in Uttarakhand, state Agriculture Minister Harak Singh Rawat on Monday said it is disappointing and upsetting to see a leader of Swaraj's stature stoop to such a low level at time of natural devastation.

"I am very upset with Sushma Swaraj, who is a prominent and accomplished leader of the opposition. At a time when we are passing through a very tough phase and we have lost everything, we expect her to come to Uttarakhand to support and help us, rather than playing politics from Delhi," said Rawat.

Using the micro-blogging site Twitter, Swaraj said: "I am sorry to say that the Government in Uttarakhand has not been able to rise to the occasion. They ought to be dismissed for being inept and incompetent."

It was the first time that the BJP has strongly and openly come out against the Vijay Bahuguna Government on rescue and relief operations in the hill state.

Earlier, senior BJP leaders had avoided making any harsh comments and confined themselves to demanding that the tragedy be declared a national tragedy.

Swaraj also targeted the UPA Government at the Centre on the issue.

"Unfortunately, the Government in Delhi has also failed to provide the requisite leadership," she claimed.

The BJP leader also maintained that her party leaders have avoided a visit to the troubled state as it would hamper relief and rescue efforts.