News
List of BJP and Congress Candidates on Dharamshala and Pachhad Seats for HP By-Election 2019 Out
Shimla-Candidates for Himachal Pradesh by-election on Dharamshala and Pachhad constituency seat, which are scheduled to be held on October 21, 2019, have been announced by both Bharatiya Janata Party and Congress. While Congress had announced the names of its candidates on Saturday, BJP declared its candidate on Sunday.
For BJP, Vishal Nehria would be contesting elections on Dharamshala seat against Vijay Inder Karan of Congress. Both candidates are fighting their first assembly elections and both belong to Gaddi community.
From Pachhad (SC), BJP has declared Reena Kashyap – a newcomer-as its candidate against Congress’s senior leader Gangu Ram Musafir.
Vishal Nehria is the state secretary of BJYM and Reena Kashyap was Zila Parishad member once. It would be first assembly elections for both BJP candidates.
On the other hand, Gangu Ram Musafir had won the Pachhad seat from 1982 to 2007 in a row. In the list of possible Congress candidates, Musafir was leading on Pachhad seat.
Candidates from both parties are expected to file their nominations on Monday.
On Dharamshala seat, however, Congress had to face an embarrassment after Sudhir Sharma, who was recommended by Congress to the high-command, refused to fight the elections. It became a matter of debate as to why there was such a huge communication gap between the party and Sudhir Sharma. It implied that either the party did not take him into confidence, or something went wrong at the last moment.
After Sudhir refused, Congress opted for Vijay Inder Kiran, who enjoys the patronage of GS Bali faction and the President of Youth Congress. He would also get the support of ant-Sudhir faction, who have been opposing him for past several years.
Sudhir Sharma has cited poor health as the cause behind his decision not to fight the election. It is not clear whether he would be campaigning or not. On the other hand, several BJP candidates, who were expecting ticket on Dharamshala seat, remained in unrest over speculations of Sudhir joining BJP. There has been a lot of infighting in BJP over the ticket on Dharamshala seat.
Both Congress candidates on Sunday visited the HPCC headquarters in Shimla to meet the President Kuldeep Singh Rathore.
Rathore made a call to party workers to unite to ensure the victory of its candidates. He asked the party workers to highlight issues like unemployment and economic slowdown under the rule of BJP. Congress is also expecting that the infighting in BJP would benefit Congress.
Congress also consider the declaration of its candidates prior to BJP as a lead in the election. Congress has asked the party workers to stay vigilant against BJP’s trickery, propaganda, and violation of Model Code of Conduct.
On the other hand, it would be a litmus test for Jairam Thakur as BJP is ruling the state for the last two years. While Jairam had begun campaigning for elections at the beginning of September, Congress is yet to start.
Further, both parties are yet to announce the list of their star campaigners for the by-elections.
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
Home Decor Ideas 2020