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AAP gearing up for HP Assembly Polls 2017, hopes people to vote for long awaited change
SHIMLA- After Punjab, the Aam Aadmi Party is optimistic about its electoral prospects in the states of Himachal Pradesh.
Considering the recent CAG reports, jaundice outbreak, laborers exploitation in Kinnuar, unplanned and vision-less urbanization, and corruption charges against CM Virbhadra Singh, party is expecting people to vote for long awaited change. Both BJP and Congress have taken their turns to run the government, but could not give anything to Himachal except a debt of about 38,000 crore.
Other than Himachal, local units have already begun to prepare themselves for state elections in Goa, Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh,say party leaders.
According to a senior National Executive member,
As compared to other states, our party organizations in the states of Goa, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh are much stronger. These are very much being consideration, though a final decision will be taken at the right time.
He added that, of these names, only Goa does not have a full time Convener but that appointment will be done soon and, like the other state conveners, the person will also be a part of the NC.
Polls are due in Goa and Himachal Pradesh in 2017, while Karnataka and MP will likely see polls in 2018. Local units’ ability to build strong party organisations will decide if AAP contests polls.
Expansion beyond Delhi and Punjab and contesting elections in other states was on the mind of several AAP leaders when the National Council (NC) of the party met to re-elect its national level bodies and office bearers. Convener and Supremo Arvind Kejriwal made his position on the issue clear in a 24 minute address. Conceding that many party members had approached him to discuss contesting elections in other states, including those in which they knew victory was not possible, Kejriwal underlined probability of victory as a key factor to contest polls.
This key or decision (sic.) about contesting is not in my hands. It is in your hands. Wherever conditions are created for 50: 50 probability of winning (we will contest). If the conditions are created, then what opposition can there be in contesting elections? Surely, we will contest elections. But not for winning 3 out of 100 seats, 90 out of 100. Victory or defeat is in god’s hands, not ours. But at least there should be chances of winning,
said Kejriwal. Emphasising that contesting elections was a means to “changing the system”, he implored party colleagues to do the “hard work” of door to door campaigning and preparing booth volunteers.
That AAP is taking other states seriously can be seen example of Karnataka State Convener, Prithvi Reddy. Previously tasked with multiple responsibilities, this time around his sole responsibility as member of the NC is Karnataka. When asked if he has begun preparing for 2018 state elections, Reddy said,
Yes. Party has set certain parameters to take those decisions, so I have taken the challenge and announced that we will meet those criteria. I have invited volunteers from across the country to come to Karnataka in 2018 and campaign.
Speaking at the meeting for reelection of AAP’s top national body, Supremo Arvind Kejriwal said,
There is a Delhi Model of governance and then Gujarat Model. We invite everyone to compare the two models. See our Mohalla Clinics, the works we are doing. A story was done during Lok Sabha elections: Gujarat Model. We also went to schools and hospitals in Gujarat, schools are in and shape, healthcare is in bad shape. Now everyone knows now what Gujarat Model is. People have been cheated in the name of Gujarat Model.
Photo: Indian Express
Solan—In a shocking incident on Monday, an 18-year-old youth, Pravesh, survived a vicious leopard attack in Sarli village of Arki subdivision. The teenager reportedly fought the leopard for nearly 12 minutes before breaking its jaw, killing the animal on the spot.
Quick Thinking Saved His Life
Pravesh told the media that he was walking from the fields to a nearby shop in the morning to fetch milk when the leopard, hidden in the crops, lunged at him. Noticing the leopard’s tail, he attempted to run but fell after a short distance. During the attack, he covered his neck with his hands to protect himself from fatal bites.
The teenager continued to struggle with the leopard, repeatedly attempting to put distance between himself and the predator. In a desperate move, he grabbed the leopard by its mouth, twisted its jaw, and broke it, killing the animal instantly. Pravesh sustained multiple injuries, including deep claw marks, and is currently receiving treatment at Arki Hospital. Police and forest department teams have launched an investigation into the incident.
Serious Allegations of HP Forest Department’s Negligence
One of Pravesh’s relatives accused the forest department of negligence, noting that similar attacks had occurred in the area previously.
Earlier, a leopard had attempted to attack a scooter rider, who managed to escape. The family said they had informed the forest department on March 6 about potential danger, but no concrete action was taken. Villagers waited for three hours for a forest team to arrive, but none came. When the Block Officer eventually visited, he reportedly told villagers to ensure their own safety. Requests for cages to capture the leopard were also denied, with officials asking for written complaints instead.
SHIMLA | 7 August 2025 –The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast light to moderate rainfall across Himachal Pradesh over the next two weeks, with isolated heavy to very heavy showers likely over the low hills, plains, and adjoining mid-hill regions. While the ongoing monsoon remains vital for agriculture, it also brings an elevated risk of localized flooding and landslides.
Week of August 8–14
Maximum temperatures will range from 22°C to 34°C, depending on elevation—22°C to 28°C in high hills, 26°C to 30°C in mid-hills, and up to 34°C in lower regions. Minimum temperatures are expected to remain near normal, between 12°C and 24°C. Cooler conditions may persist in districts like Kullu and Lahaul-Spiti.
Week of August 15–21
Similar rainfall patterns are expected to continue, with scattered heavy rain episodes. Temperature trends will remain stable, though slightly below-normal maximum temperatures are likely in parts of Lahaul-Spiti, Mandi, Kangra, and Kullu districts.
Outlook for Late August
Rainfall is expected to remain broadly normal, with region-specific variations. Districts such as Kinnaur, Shimla, and Sirmaur may see below-normal precipitation, while Una, Kangra, Hamirpur, Bilaspur, and Solan are likely to receive above-average rainfall. Both maximum and minimum temperatures are forecast to stay close to seasonal norms.
Officials at the Meteorological Centre in Shimla have urged residents and local authorities to remain alert for sudden heavy downpours, which could disrupt road connectivity and trigger landslides—especially along vulnerable hillside routes. Past monsoon episodes have blocked key highways, including routes between Mandi and Kullu and near Banjar, underscoring the ongoing challenges in the region.
This advisory comes as Himachal Pradesh continues to face the dual pressures of sustaining its agriculture-dependent economy while managing the life and infrastructure risks posed by an active monsoon. Continued vigilance and preparedness remain crucial.
SHIMLA | 7 August 2025 –Himachal Pradesh continues to deal with the impacts of the 2025 monsoon season, reporting extensive property damage, loss of lives, and widespread disruptions across the state. According to the official reports from the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC), the Department of Revenue, and the India Meteorological Department, from June 20 to August 6, 2025, heavy monsoon rains caused significant damage across multiple districts:
- Casualties: 199 deaths due to landslides, flash floods, cloudbursts, drowning, lightning, electrocution, and accidents; 304 injuries reported.
- Property Loss: Extensive damage to houses (both pucca and kaccha), shops, factories, labor sheds, animal shelters, and substantial crop losses in agriculture and horticulture.
- Public Infrastructure: Over ₹1,900 crore in damages to roads (including PWD), power supply, health, education, fisheries, rural and urban development, and animal husbandry.
Most affected districts include Mandi, Kangra, and Hamirpur, with severe crop and infrastructure losses.
Additionally, 91 deaths occurred due to monsoon-related road accidents.
Public Utilities and Infrastructure Disruptions
The SEOC report dated August 7, 2025, highlights ongoing disruptions:
- Roads Blocked: About 493 major roads and 3 national highways (NH-305, NH-21, NH-05) remain blocked by landslides and floods.
- Power Supply: Disruption of 1,120 distribution transformers (DTRs).
- Water Supply: 245 water schemes affected, threatening access to potable water for communities.
Key blockages include NH-21 between Mandi and Kullu and NH-305 near Banjar and Jhed.
Weather Forecast and Warnings
The India Meteorological Department’s forecast valid from August 7, 2025, includes:
- Isolated heavy rainfall expected throughout the week.
- Thunderstorms and lightning predicted in isolated areas.
- Minimum temperatures near normal or slightly below.
- Maximum temperatures showing a moderate increase.
The public is urged to remain vigilant due to the risks of further landslides and flash floods.
Himachal Pradesh remains vulnerable as the monsoon season continues, with thousands affected by damage, displacement, and disruption of essential services. Authorities are continuing with rescue and recovery operations and are urging residents to stay alert to the ongoing adverse weather. This situation highlights the pressing need for enhanced infrastructure and disaster management strategies to mitigate monsoon-related risks.
Himachal’s LPG Supply Hit Amid Global Tensions, Likely to Affect Hospitality Industry
Himachal Teen Survives 12-Minute Leopard Attack, Kills Predator in Self-Defense
Weather Forecast for Himachal Pradesh For the Next Two Weeks
Monsoon 2025: Himachal Pradesh Suffers 199 Casualties, Over ₹1,905.50 Cr in Damages
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