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Video: BJP MP Suresh Kasyap Alleged of Offering Cash for Vote in Pachhad, CM Jairam Terms it False Propaganda
Sirmaur- A video showing some youth alleging Suresh Kashyap, a Bharatiya Janata Party leader, Member of Parliament, and ex-MLA of Pachhad Vidhan Sabha Constituency, of offering Rs 5000 in return of their vote has created a stir in the already charged political atmosphere ahead of the by-elections.
About a dozen persons including women could be seen in the video that is going viral. One of the youths named Kashyap and alleged he is trying to buy votes. The youth also claimed that others visible in the video were also present when he offered money.
Another youth also admitted that money was allegedly offered to voters. These youth can be heard criticising the BJP MP, terming it an undemocratic mean to fetch votes. The youth said they want development in their constituency and would vote for only the candidate who would ensure it.
The youth talked about the poor condition of roads and other problems in their constituencies.
The identity of the people visible in the video and place of recording was yet to be identified by the officials of the election commission or media.
In response to the video and allegation of cash for vote in Pachhad, Chief Minister Jairam Thakur said that he had not watched any such video and came to know about it only through media. He rejected the allegations and said circulation of such videos is quite common during elections.
He said the electoral officer of the Pachhad constituency, SDM, Rajgarh, Naresh Kumar, has been given orders to investigate the allegations.
He said that BJP is in power at Centre and State, therefore, it neither requires nor believes in such means to lure voters.
MP Suresh Kashyap also rejected the allegations saying that Congress had been trying to create controversy since the beginning of its political campaign. Congress had been alleging BJP of supplying trucks of pipes, gas cylinders, distributing cash for votes etc., which are baseless, Kashyap said.
A couple of days ago, Congress had alleged that Cabinet Minister Vipin Parmar was holding a meeting with government officials at the circuit house at Dharamshala in violating of Model Code of Conduct (MCC). Congress had also alleged that money was being distributed to lure voters in Dharamshala constituency. Congress workers had shouted slogans outside the circuit house, a video of which was circulating on social media.
Earlier, the Speaker of the HP Vidhan Sabha had also received notice from the Election Commission, seeking his clarification on allegation of campaigning for BJP in violation of MCC.
The contest in the Pachhad constituency became tougher for BJP as one of its leaders, Dayal Payari, rebelled against the party and filed her nomination to contest against BJP’s official candidate Reena Kashyap as an independent candidate. While BJP was successful in convincing another rebel, Ashish Sikta, to withdraw his nomination as an independent candidate, it could not convince Dayal Payari. Congress is expecting that this rebel candidate would divide the BJP’s vote bank and benefit its candidate Gangu Ram Musafir.
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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