Himachal Pradesh news & politics
The latest news from Himachal Pradesh, where Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu (INC) is Chief Minister. Most covered in the last 30 days: political gaffe, infrastructure, crime violence.
Magnitude 4.1 earthquake hits Shimla district as Himachal Pradesh records 67 tremors
A magnitude 4.1 earthquake hit Shimla district at 4:36 a.m. on Saturday, October 17, 2026, with an epicentre 10 km deep near Rampur. The State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) reported no loss of life or property. Himachal Pradesh experienced 67 tremors since August 1, causing ₹7.05 lakh in damage. The National Centre for Seismology and Bureau of Indian Standards monitored the high-risk zone.
Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Chief Minister of the Congress government, stated on October 3, 2026
Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Chief Minister of the Congress government, stated on October 3, 2026, that Himachal Pradesh rose from 21st to fifth in quality education rankings since 2021. He claimed the BJP left a ₹76,000 crore debt and ₹10,000 crore liabilities. The government recruited over 10,000 teachers, opened 150 CBSE schools, and restored the Old Pension Scheme for employees.
KSEB secures 600 MW to 800 MW emergency supplies from Himachal Pradesh for October
The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) secured 600 MW to 800 MW emergency supplies from the Directorate of Energy, Himachal Pradesh for October. This follows a Wednesday shortage of 900 MW and a September peak demand of 5,459 MW. With reservoir storage at 61% (2,537.47 mu) on September 30, KSEB is also negotiating supplies for November and December.
Hrithik Roshan Echoes Bansuri Swaraj, Challenges Rahul Gandhi on Vande Mataram
Hrithik Roshan responded to a month-old video where BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj challenged Rahul Gandhi to recite the full Vande Mataram if he wanted to smash patriarchy. In his comment, Hrithik echoed Swaraj's challenge, referencing Rahul Gandhi’s call to dismantle patriarchy during an event in Pune. The post sparked discussions on how singing Vande Mataram relates to gender equality.
Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Himachal Pradesh's Chief Minister, addressed an 'anti-chitta' awareness walkathon
On September 16, 2026, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Himachal Pradesh's Chief Minister, addressed an 'anti-chitta' awareness walkathon in Una district, emphasizing strict action against illegal drug trade and a compassionate approach for addicts. He called for societal involvement to combat drugs. Meanwhile, in Chandigarh, the Press Information Bureau and Narcotics Control Bureau conducted ‘Vartalap’ to promote the central government’s vision document aiming for a 'Drug-free India' by 2029.
On October 2, the Himachal Pradesh government will distribute Rs 1,500
On October 2, the Himachal Pradesh government will distribute Rs 1,500 to around 2.5 lakh eligible women aged 21-60 under the Indira Gandhi Pyari Behna Sukh Samman Nidhi scheme and provide up to 300 units of free electricity to nearly 1.80 lakh extremely poor families. The Rural Development Department has shortlisted beneficiaries, aiming to directly transfer funds to bank accounts to ensure no intermediaries are involved. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu will highlight these welfare initiatives aimed at economically weaker sections.
Kangana Ranaut Slammed by BDOs for Calling Them "Lazy" and "Incompetent"
After Kangana Ranaut criticized Block Development Officers (BDOs) of the Mandi constituency as "lazy" and "incompetent," the Himachal Pradesh Block Development Officers Association, led by president Gopi Chand Pathak, objected to her use of "unparliamentary" language. The association warned it would take strong action if such comments were repeated, while defending BDOs' performance under MPLADS and highlighting their broader responsibilities. They cited 237 sanctioned works worth Rs 511.71 lakh, with 68 completed and 143 in progress, attributing delays to various administrative hurdles.
Kangana Raut Clashes with Minister Over Scheme Implementation, Highlighting BJP-Congress Divide
A day after Kangana Raut criticized the slow implementation of central government schemes in Mandi district, Himachal Pradesh PWD Minister Vikramaditya Singh pushed back. Kangana directed officials to recover funds from unstarted projects and penalize fraudulent entities. Vikramaditya countered by questioning her language and defending state officials. Their confrontation highlights the broader debate over development accountability between BJP and Congress, with an additional ideological rift over RSS-run schools.
Vaccine Batch KE25012 Seized as "Not of Standard Quality"; Four Arrested
The Central Drugs Laboratory (CDL) in Kasauli flagged a batch of Abhayrab vaccine as "not of standard quality" and "misbranded" after failing a potency test. On April 22, Delhi Police seized samples with batch number KE25012 from an unlicensed premises; four people were arrested. The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) stated on September 5 that the vaccine differed in packaging and labelling from genuine ones. The Drugs Controller General of India requested strict vigilance over this batch, with further investigation ongoing to determine if it entered circulation. Indian Immunologicals Ltd. (IIL) confirmed they did not produce these vials, indicating potential counterfeiting.
Kangana Ranaut blasts officials: 30-40% of public funds misused, demands action
During a DISHA meeting in Mandi district, Kangana Ranaut, BJP MP, criticized officials for misusing public funds and questioned the implementation of Centre-sponsored schemes. She highlighted that 30 to 40 percent of public money goes into wrong hands, demanding stronger monitoring and accountability. Ranaut allocated Rs 11 crore but noted no work was carried out, urging officials to ensure projects reach beneficiaries and are completed on time. This incident underscores concerns over official accountability and transparency in fund utilization.
New Book by 22 Scholars Highlights Glacier Melting, Urges Climate Action for Vulnerable Communities
The Chintan Research Foundation launched 'Navigating the Climate Crisis: Perspectives and Actions from the Global South for Adaptation and Mitigation' on Tuesday at the India International Centre. Edited by Dr Debajit Palit, with contributions from 22 scholars, it addresses climate change impacts and strategies in Asia and Africa. The book highlights glacier melting and disaster resilience, emphasizing the need for climate finance and governance frameworks to aid vulnerable communities. It will be presented at COP 31 this November in Antalya.
On Saturday night, soil holding a stretch of the Shimla-Kalka narrow gauge
On Saturday night, soil holding a stretch of the Shimla-Kalka narrow gauge railway line in Solan district was washed out by incessant rain, causing ten trains between Kalka and Shimla to be cancelled on Sunday. The slippage near Bridge No 57 exposed part of the track between Koti and Gumman stations, suspending operations until further notice. Shimla station superintendent Sanjay Gevar confirmed the cancellations. Himachal Pradesh faced multiple road closures due to heavy rains; sixty-four roads were closed statewide as of Sunday evening. The state has recorded an 18% rainfall deficit since August 1, with about 104 rain-related deaths and Rs 1,184 crore in losses reported this monsoon season.
