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CM Virbhadra under fire for his controversial remark on Gaddi community
Shimla – Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh has annoyed the Gaddi community of Himachal Pradesh by making a controversial remark while taking to media persons. The Chief Minister was on a visit to Basdehra in Una district.
Recently, the Chief Minister has faced criticism for alleged insensitive remarks over grieve incidents like the deaths due to Swine Flu and the mysterious death of forest guard Hoshiyar Singh.
This time, the Chief Minister was targeting Satpal Satti, State president of the Bhartiya Janata Party. He was criticizing the use of cheap language and derogatory remarks made by Satti.
However, what appeared to be an intention to insult the BJP President, the Chief Minister said something that has annoyed the Gaddi Community of Himachal.
Talking to the media person, the Chief Minister had remarked “सत्ती अध्यक्ष हैं तो क्या, अध्यक्ष तो गद्दी समुदाय के भी होते हैं”( What if Satii is the President (of BJP). Gaddi people also have a president)
Soon after the video of the news clip appeared on social media, the Chief Minister came under fire for showing insensitivity towards a Himachal’s oldest communities residing in Chamba, Kangra Mandi, Kullu, and Bilaspur districts.
People concluded the Chief Minister wanted to devalue and prove the position of Satii in BJP to be insignificant by citing this example. However, the reference to the Gaddi Community went wrong as the comparison was seen as an insult to Gaddi people.
Some leaders of the Community openly criticized the Chief Minister for his remark. Among these, Onkar Nehria, a sitting councilor and a Gaddi leader, expressed a surprise over the remark. He said it was not expected from a person holding the chair of the Chief Minister.
Another community leader from Palampur expressed anger through a social media post in which he said Gaddi’s will show the Chief Minister his place in the upcoming assembly elections.
Community leaders also warned the Chief Minister of protest rallies for hurting the sentiments of the Gaddi population.
The social media reactions of some leaders and people associated with the community also hinted damage to the image of the Chief Minister.
At the same time, the opposition has received a political opportunity to show sympathy with the community. The remarks are likely to be used by the opposition against the Chief Minister in election campaigns.
Earlier, the Chief Minister, while addressing a public rally, had said the BJP believes in unruly politics, be it Arun Jaitley, or other BJP state leaders like Anurag Thakur or Prem Kumar Dhumal. They have hatched a conspiracy against by framing false cases against him.
He said that his case of Income Tax was being investigated by three central agencies, which was unlikely a rare example to be seen. No matter how hard they try to suppress me, I will come out unblemished, he said.
Those in opposition should be considered as opponents and not as enemies, he said, adding that now the opposition takes ruling party candidates as their enemy. He said that the politics in the state, rather in the country has stooped to the lowest ebb.
Chief Minister said that in s democratic setup, one should not use cheap language or pass derogatory remarks.
Photo: IM Sharma
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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