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HP By-Polls 2021: Read What An Online Survey Says About Impact of Crucial Issues on Results
Shimla- The cacophony of the political campaign for the Himachal Pradesh Bye-Elections 2021 is getting louder as the date of polling nears. While the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party is creating noise over nationalism and self-proclaimed achievements in the name of development, the Indian National Congress is targeting BJP over inflation, price hike of fuels and essential commodities, neglect towards protesting farmers and their interests etc. The remaining statements comprise personal and sarcastic attacks. But what do the voters think about real issues? How do they see these crucial issues and their impact on the election results? An online survey throws some light on the perspective of the public with help of some questions.
This online survey was conducted in October 2021, to understand the voting behaviour and general opinion of the people of Himachal Pradesh on the forthcoming bye-election for a Lok Sabha Seat (Mandi) and three Assembly Seats (Jubbal Kotkhai, Arki and Fatehpur). The survey was led by Dr. Devender Sharma, from the Department of Political Science, Centre of Excellence, Government College, Sanjauli, and Dr. Baldev Singh Negi, from the Department of Inter-disciplinary Studies, Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla, in 12 districts of Himachal Pradesh.
Total 566 respondents participated in the online survey and shared their opinion on pre-designed questions. The objective of the survey was to analyze the impact of contemporary national issues like, price rise of LPG, Petrol, Diesel and other basic commodities, economic slowdown along with state-level issues like farm crises and farmers not getting appropriate prices of apple and other farm products on the voting behaviour. Since there is a popular discourse in public and political circles that these bye-elections will prove as the semi-final of the assembly elections to be held next year, the objective was to establish this discourse and to check the validity.
In this online survey, the participation was across the districts in the State. There was 51.4 percent Shimla District, 9.7 percent from Mandi, 9.5 percent from Solan, 9.2 percent from Chamba, 8.8 percent from Kullu, 0.7 and 0.7 percent from Kinnaur and Lahaul & Spiti respectively, 0.2 percent from Hamirpur and 1.1 and 1.1 percent from Bilaspur and Una respectively.
Respondents represent almost every section of the society 72.1 percent was from the general category followed by 15.5 percent scheduled caste, 7.8 percent scheduled tribe and 4.6 percent from other backward classes. As far as professional background is concerned there were 54.8 percent students, 29.3 percent employees, 8.5 percent farmers and 7.4 percent were unemployed youth.
The respondents who participated in the present online survey were having the educational qualification graduate or more 78.1 percent followed by 20.1 percent secondary and 1.8 percent high schools.
Question.1: Whether constantly rising prices of LPG, petrol, diesel and other basic commodities will affect voting behaviour?
Responses: 61.5 percent respondents responded that certainly this will highly influence the voting behaviour. 26.1 percent have the opinion that it will affect voting reasonably and 7.8 percent responded that this will not affect these elections.
Question.2: Whether Ongoing farmers’ protest will affect voting behaviour? Evidently, farmers are in grim crises and they are not getting appropriate prices for apple crops and other vegetables. So, will these crises get manifestations in these elections?
Responses: 43 percent responded that farm crises in Himachal will make the unity of farmers and they will join hands with the farmers protest and this may definitely affect the voting behaviour.
Question.3 Will demand of OPS and implementation of new pay commission recommendations and mobilizations of employees affect the voting behaviour or not?
Responses: 33.2 percent said that this will certainly affect voting behaviour. 32.5 percent responded that it will affect to some extent and 24.7 percent responded that there will be no impact of the issue.
Question.4: Are these elections like the semi-finals of the next year scheduled assembly elections?
Responses: 70.3 percent of respondents have the opinion that definitely these elections will turn up as semi-finals for coming assembly elections and 29.7 percent of respondents have a contrary opinion.
Question.5 Whether these elections are the battleground for a few reputed politicians like Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur and Pratibha Singh as these elections will decide their political future?
Responses: 76.7 percent of respondents agree with this statement and 23.3 percent rejected this preposition.
Question.6 To what extent internal dynamics and contradictions among political parties would impact the results?
Responses: 84.5percent responded that the cost of these conflicts would have to pay by the parties and 15.5 percent have the opinion that these conflicts will hardly affect the results.
Question.7 Will the demise of two stalwart leaders Sh. Vir Bhadra Singh and Sh. Narendra Bragta and the sympathy wave roused after their death make plus to the votes of both the parties in Mandi and Jubbal Kotkhai?
Responses: 66.8 percent of respondents endorsed the opinion and 33.2 percent rejected this argument.
Question.8 Will rebels contesting elections harm the party candidates or not?
Responses: On this question 31.1 percent of respondents that largely it will cause losses to the party candidates. 57.2percent said that it will not affect that much and 8.8 percent rejected the preposition out rightly.
About the Survey Coordinators
Dr. Devender Sharma: Assistant Professor in Political Science, presently serving at G.C. Sanjauli prior to this he has served at GC Kumarsain and in one UNDP projects at Indian Institute of Advanced Study (IIAS) Shimla. (Mobile No.8988376808)
Dr. Baldev Singh Negi: Working as Project Officer cum Faculty, Rural Development at Himachal Pradesh University. He has been trained at many national and international organisations as attended training programme with LOKNITI, International Political Science Association (IPSA) etc., (Mobile No.9418485352)
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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