Last update:January 10, 2025, 12:07 IST

Former Union Minister Rajiv Chandrasekhar posted a picture showing the devastation caused by the forest fires and said that California is a state with a $4.8 trillion economy.

The fire in the forests of Los Angeles has also disrupted the lives of Hollywood stars. (Photo credit: X)

Wildfires in Los Angeles, California have caused widespread damage, injuring scores of people and destroying thousands of homes. As the fire continues to spread, residents of several LA neighborhoods have been forced to evacuate. People around the world are concerned and are helping the victims. Meanwhile, former Union Minister of India Rajiv Chandrasekhar posted a photo showing the destruction and said that California is a state with a $4.8 trillion economy, which is part of the world’s largest economy, the United States.

In response to a post by American YouTuber Benny Johnson, who shared a photo showing an entire area wiped out by the fire on X (formerly known as Twitter), Chandrasekhar commented, “This is California – a US$4.8 trillion economic powerhouse state, the world’s largest economy in the US.” At the end of the text, the politician added a laughing and sad emoji.

Reacting to the post, one user wrote, “It doesn’t seem appropriate for a senior minister to laugh at a tragedy.”

Another shared, “The fury of nature and bad leadership can affect any country, regardless of its wealth or power. A little compassion goes a long way in tough times.”

“We should develop such infrastructure and fight them and not enjoy the suffering of others. Sad to hear such statements by the former Information and Technology Minister,” read one comment.

Another asked, “Wonder what that would save?”

One person shared, “How can a state like California get 4.8 trillion US dollars when the whole of India can’t with 1450 million? They will be back very soon and the incident will be forgotten.”

Another added, “Blaming a natural disaster on state policies and capabilities is ignorant and cheap. The real conversation should be about California’s preparedness and resilience in dealing with such disasters. Yes, there was significant property damage.” was—mostly insured—but, crucially, no major loss of life may have directed its energies toward praising effective disaster management rather than making irrelevant accusations.”

The Los Angeles wildfires not only affected thousands of residents, but also affected the lives of many Hollywood stars. High-profile names such as Cobie Smulders, Taran Killam, Eugene Levy, Miles Teller, Keleigh Teller, Anthony Hopkins, Adam Brody, Leighton Meester, John Goodman, Ricki Lake, Cameron Mathison, Paris Hilton and Jeff Bridges have also been affected.