Tag: #PanchayatiRaj

  • Anirudh Singh Attends Closing Ceremony of Under-14 Girls’ Sports Competition at Juggar School

    Anirudh Singh Attends Closing Ceremony of Under-14 Girls’ Sports Competition at Juggar School

    Rural Development Minister Felicitates Winning Teams, Announces Development Projects for Kasumpti

    Shimla, September 9

    Himachal Pradesh Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh attended the closing ceremony of the four-day block-level Under-14 girls’ sports competition held at Government Senior Secondary School, Juggar, in the Kasumpti Assembly constituency on Wednesday.

    Congratulating the winning teams, Anirudh Singh encouraged students who could not secure victory not to lose heart and urged them to work hard for success in future competitions. He said that winning and losing are part of sports, while participation and developing a sporting spirit are more important.

    The minister stressed that sports are essential alongside education for the physical and mental development of children. He said the state government is committed to promoting sports and cultural activities in schools while improving the quality of education.

    He also said that encouraging children to participate in sports and cultural activities would help keep them away from substance abuse and enable them to build a bright future.

    ₹15 Crore for Fagu-Dharech Road

    Speaking about development in the Kasumpti Assembly constituency, Anirudh Singh said the government was committed to ensuring the development of every village and improving road connectivity.

    He said ₹15 crore is being spent on upgrading the Fagu-Dharech link road, with construction work already underway. He added that several roads connecting the Chiyog, Dharech, Satog and Satlai panchayats have been included under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY).

    He further announced that construction of the Juggar-Kataiya-Majhar link road would begin soon, as the Forest Rights Act (FRA) clearance process has been completed. The work will commence after the required NABARD budget is sanctioned.

    The minister directed officials to prepare cost estimates for the construction of six additional classrooms at Government Senior Secondary School, Juggar, at the earliest.

    He also announced ₹1.14 crore for the construction of a community building in Satog Panchayat and assured that the demands raised by the school management and local Panchayat Pradhan would be addressed in a phased manner.

    225 Students from 14 Schools Participate

    Welcoming the chief guest, Kaushalya Devi, in-charge of the Theog Block sports competition, said more than 225 students from 14 schools participated in the event.

    Competitions were held in Kho-Kho, Badminton, Chess, Kabaddi, Volleyball and Yoga, besides speech and cultural events. She said a team of 40 students selected from the winning teams would participate in the district-level sports competition to be held in Rampur from September 25 to 27.

    Winning Teams Felicitated

    The minister felicitated the winning teams with prizes.

    • Volleyball: GSSS Theog – Winner; MPS Chiyog – Runner-up
    • Kabaddi: GSSS Chiyog – Winner; MPS Chiyog – Runner-up
    • Kho-Kho: GSSS Juggar – Winner; Theog School – Runner-up
    • Badminton: Kayartu School – Winner; Sarog School – Runner-up
    • Yoga: HPS Theog – Winner; Chiyog School – Runner-up
    • Chess: MPS Chiyog – Winner; Kayartu School – Runner-up
    • Speech: GHS Sehmal – Winner; Theog School – Runner-up

    In cultural events, Theog School won the Light Music Solo Song and Dance competitions, while MPS Chiyog won the Classical Solo Song and One-Act Play competitions. Theog School also secured the Group Song title.

    GSSS Juggar was awarded the Best title in March Past and was declared the overall winner of the sports competition.

  • Dhali Panchayat’s first Gram Sabha draws strong public response

    Dhali Panchayat’s first Gram Sabha draws strong public response

    Shimla, August 14: The newly formed Gram Panchayat Dhali in Junga tehsil witnessed strong public participation at its first general assembly meeting, with 123 villagers attending—more than double the quorum of 60 prescribed for the Gram Sabha.

    The meeting was held at the Gram Panchayat Piran building and chaired by Panchayat Pradhan Anokhi Ram. Panchayat Secretary Rajiv Thakur welcomed the villagers and placed various development-related proposals before the Gram Sabha.

    The meeting unanimously approved a proposal to construct a new Panchayat Bhawan near Government High School, Dhali. A proposal to develop a playground to encourage sports and community activities was also passed through a voice vote.

    The demand for a separate Panchayat building has gained importance as residents currently have to travel around 15 km to Piran to attend Panchayat meetings.

    Pradhan Anokhi Ram said the new Dhali Panchayat was formed following the dissolution of Gram Panchayat Piran. In the absence of its own building, elected representatives and villagers continue to travel to Piran for official meetings.

    He said the high turnout reflected the enthusiasm of residents following the creation of the new Panchayat. Villagers from Thund, Dhali, Bagda and surrounding areas have been attending meetings in large numbers, often travelling in private vehicles.

    “Construction of the Panchayat Bhawan is our priority so that elected representatives can effectively take forward development works in the area,” Anokhi Ram said, adding that the Panchayat would focus on overall development despite limited resources.

    Deputy Pradhan Devendra Sharma, ward members Om Prakash, Rekha Devi, Devendra Kumari, Shyam Lal and Pushpa Devi, along with a large number of villagers, participated in the meeting.

  • काम करने के बजाय साजिश करने में मुख्यमंत्री सुक्खू को हासिल है महारत

    काम करने के बजाय साजिश करने में मुख्यमंत्री सुक्खू को हासिल है महारत

    शिमला : पूर्व मुख्यमंत्री एवं नेता प्रतिपक्ष जयराम ठाकुर ने तत्तापानी में मीडिया प्रतिनिधियों से अनौपचारिक बातचीत के दौरान सरकार की कार्यप्रणाली पर सवाल उठाए। उन्होंने कहा कि यह सरकार “पलटूराम” सरकार है, जो दो कदम आगे बढ़ती है तो दस कदम पीछे खींचती है। इस प्रकार के फैसलों से सिर्फ और सिर्फ प्रदेश का नुकसान हो रहा है। उन्होंने सरकार द्वारा सत्ता के दुरुपयोग के माध्यम से जनादेश को हथियाने के प्रयासों की आलोचना करते हुए कहा कि पहले मुख्यमंत्री चुनाव नहीं करवाना चाहते थे, लेकिन माननीय न्यायालय के आदेश के बाद उन्हें चुनाव करवाने पड़े। इस दौरान उन्होंने जितने भी अड़ंगे डाल सकते थे, डाले, लेकिन न्यायालय के स्पष्ट आदेशों के सामने उनकी एक भी कुटिल चाल कामयाब नहीं हुई और अंततः चुनाव करवाने पड़े, जिनमें उन्हें करारी हार का सामना करना पड़ा।
    जयराम ठाकुर ने कहा कि जनता द्वारा नकार दिए जाने के बाद भी मुख्यमंत्री लोकतंत्र का सम्मान नहीं कर रहे हैं। सरकार अब भी अपने अध्यक्ष और उपाध्यक्ष बनाने की कुटिल चाल चल रही है। स्थानीय निकाय चुनावों के परिणाम आए एक महीने का समय हो चुका है और पंचायती राज संस्थाओं के चुनाव परिणाम घोषित हुए तीन सप्ताह से अधिक समय बीत चुका है, लेकिन सरकार अभी तक ब्लॉक समिति, जिला परिषद और अन्य स्थानीय निकायों में अध्यक्ष एवं उपाध्यक्ष के चुनाव की तिथि घोषित नहीं कर रही है। ऐसा इसलिए किया जा रहा है ताकि भारतीय जनता पार्टी समर्थित विजयी प्रतिनिधियों पर दबाव बनाया जा सके, उन्हें प्रताड़ित किया जा सके और डराया-धमकाया जा सके। उनके खिलाफ विजिलेंस जांच, तबादले या अन्य प्रशासनिक कार्रवाइयों का सहारा लेकर दबाव बनाने की कोशिश की जा रही है।
    उन्होंने कहा कि जोगिंदरनगर ब्लॉक समिति के चुनाव के समय सरकार ने जल शक्ति विभाग में बड़ी संख्या में पद सृजित कर दिए और रातों-रात उन्हें भरने की प्रक्रिया शुरू कर दी। जनपद स्तर पर चुनकर आए प्रतिनिधियों के समर्थकों को उन पदों पर समायोजित किया गया और उन्हें कांग्रेस के पक्ष में मतदान करने के लिए विवश किया गया। इस प्रकार के हथकंडे अपनाकर सरकार कुछ स्थानों पर परिणाम भले बदल ले, लेकिन विधानसभा चुनाव में प्रदेश की जनता कांग्रेस को इसका जवाब देगी।
    जयराम ठाकुर ने कहा कि मुख्यमंत्री सुखविंद्र सिंह सुक्खू विजनलेस हैं। सरकार का काम संस्थान खोलना और सुविधाएं उपलब्ध कराना होता है, न कि उन्हें बंद करना। सत्ता संभालते ही उन्होंने संस्थान बंद करने का अभियान शुरू कर दिया और ढाई हजार से अधिक संस्थान बंद कर दिए। क्या ये संस्थान बिना आवश्यकता और वित्तीय प्रबंधन के खोले गए थे? ये सभी संस्थान जनता की मांग और आवश्यकता को ध्यान में रखते हुए तथा कानूनी प्रक्रिया का पालन करते हुए खोले गए थे। मुख्यमंत्री कहते हैं कि स्कूलों में छात्रों की संख्या नहीं है, लेकिन वह यह नहीं बताते कि उनकी सरकार पहले स्कूलों से शिक्षकों का तबादला करती है, जिससे छात्र संख्या घट जाती है और फिर स्कूलों को बंद कर दिया जाता है।
    उन्होंने कहा कि काम करने के बजाय साजिश करने में मुख्यमंत्री माहिर हैं। यह बात केवल हम नहीं कह रहे, बल्कि हिमाचल प्रदेश के पूर्व मुख्यमंत्री स्वर्गीय वीरभद्र सिंह भी अक्सर कहा करते थे। मुख्यमंत्री के कार्य स्वर्गीय वीरभद्र सिंह की बातों की पुष्टि करते हैं।
    जयराम ठाकुर ने कहा कि सरकार दूध खरीद को लेकर देशभर में अपनी पीठ थपथपाती रहती है और इसे अपनी फ्लैगशिप योजना बताती है, लेकिन वास्तविकता यह है कि आए दिन दूध खरीद केंद्रों पर किसान अपना दूध फेंकने को मजबूर हो रहे हैं। पूरे देश में दूध की भारी मांग है, लेकिन सरकार के पास उसे प्रोसेस करने की पर्याप्त क्षमता नहीं है। इसके लिए क्या किसान जिम्मेदार हैं? उन्होंने कहा कि चारों ओर ऐसी स्थिति इसलिए बन रही है क्योंकि यह सरकार पूरी तरह से भ्रमित, दिशाहीन और विजनलेस है।

    प्रेस रिलीज 23 जून 2026 पूर्व मुख्यमंत्री एवं नेता प्रतिपक्ष जयरामठाकुर

    करसोग विधानसभा के चिंडी में नेता प्रतिपक्ष ने श्यामा प्रसाद मुखर्जी को अर्पित की श्रद्धांजलि

    मण्डी/करसोग: करसोग विधानसभा क्षेत्र के चिण्डी में पूर्व मुख्यमंत्री एवं नेता प्रतिपक्ष जयराम ठाकुर ने महान स्वतंत्रता सेनानी, प्रखर राष्ट्रवादी विचारक एवं अखंड भारत के संकल्प के लिए अपना जीवन समर्पित करने वाले श्रद्धेय डॉ. श्यामा प्रसाद मुखर्जी की पुण्यतिथि पर उन्हें विनम्र श्रद्धांजलि अर्पित की। इस अवसर पर उन्होंने कहा कि श्रद्धेय डॉ. श्यामा प्रसाद मुखर्जी का संपूर्ण जीवन राष्ट्र की एकता, अखंडता और जनसेवा के लिए समर्पित रहा। एक महान शिक्षाविद्, कुशल प्रशासक, प्रखर चिंतक और राष्ट्रहित को सर्वोपरि रखने वाले युगद्रष्टा के रूप में उन्होंने देश के निर्माण में महत्वपूर्ण योगदान दिया।  जयराम ठाकुर ने कहा कि “एक देश में दो विधान, दो प्रधान और दो निशान नहीं चलेंगे” के उनके संकल्प ने राष्ट्रीय एकता को नई दिशा दी और राष्ट्र की अखंडता के लिए दिया गया उनका सर्वोच्च बलिदान सदैव स्मरणीय रहेगा। उन्होंने कहा कि श्रद्धेय डॉ. श्यामा प्रसाद मुखर्जी का त्याग, राष्ट्रभक्ति और सेवा का आदर्श हम सभी को राष्ट्रहित में समर्पित भाव से कार्य करने की निरंतर प्रेरणा देता रहेगा।

  • BJP Sweeps All Three Panchayat Samitis in Seraj, Congress Fails to Field Candidates: Jai Ram Thakur

    BJP Sweeps All Three Panchayat Samitis in Seraj, Congress Fails to Field Candidates: Jai Ram Thakur

    Mandi, June 18: Leader of Opposition and former Himachal Pradesh chief minister Jai Ram Thakur on Thursday claimed a historic victory for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the Panchayati Raj elections, stating that BJP-backed candidates were elected unopposed as chairpersons and vice-chairpersons in all three Panchayat Samitis of the Seraj Assembly constituency.

    Addressing a gathering at Janjehli after the unanimous election of Panchayat Samiti office-bearers, Thakur said the outcome marked an unprecedented achievement in the political history of the region. He alleged that the Congress failed to find candidates even for the posts of chairperson and vice-chairperson in the three Panchayat Samitis.

    Recalling his tenure as Panchayati Raj Minister and later as Chief Minister, Thakur said that even during those years the party had not witnessed such overwhelming support at the grassroots level.

    He said Janjehli block falls entirely within the Seraj Assembly constituency, while Bali Chowki and Gohar blocks share boundaries with the Drang and Nachan Assembly segments respectively. Thakur thanked newly elected representatives for respecting the party’s decisions and maintaining unity during the election process.

    The BJP leader also announced that several newly elected members would be entrusted with key responsibilities within the party organisation in the future to further strengthen the BJP at the grassroots level.

    Taking a swipe at political practices of the past, Thakur said elected representatives earlier had to be protected from alleged poaching attempts by rival parties. However, he claimed that the loyalty of party workers and public support ensured that no such situation arose this time.

    Thanking voters for backing the BJP in the Panchayati Raj elections, Thakur described the results as a victory of party workers’ dedication and hard work. He expressed confidence that the newly elected chairpersons and vice-chairpersons would play a positive role in accelerating development across the region.

    Targeting the Congress government led by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Thakur said the Panchayati Raj poll results had sent a clear political message that the people of Himachal Pradesh were standing firmly with the BJP at the grassroots level.

    Claiming that more than 70 per cent of Panchayat representatives across the state were BJP-backed, he challenged the Chief Minister to disclose how many elected representatives were aligned with the Congress.

    Thakur further alleged that employees, youth and farmers were dissatisfied with the state government’s functioning and asserted that the public mandate reflected growing discontent against the ruling Congress.

    He said the BJP would return to power in Himachal Pradesh with a full majority in the future and claimed that development would gain “triple-engine” momentum when BJP governments function at the Panchayat, state and central levels.

  • Education Minister Rohit Thakur Administers Oath to Newly Elected Pradhans & Up-Pradhans in Shimla

    Education Minister Rohit Thakur Administers Oath to Newly Elected Pradhans & Up-Pradhans in Shimla

    Shimla, June 15, 2026: A grand swearing-in ceremony for the newly elected Pradhans and Up-Pradhans of Shimla district was held at Peterhof today under the chairmanship of Himachal Pradesh Education Minister Rohit Thakur. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu was also present on the occasion.

    Addressing the gathering, Education Minister Rohit Thakur administered the oath of office to the newly elected Pradhans and Up-Pradhans and congratulated them on their election. He emphasized that Panchayat representatives play a vital role in ensuring balanced and inclusive development across the state.

    The Minister announced that a special meeting with all newly elected Panchayati Raj representatives will be held on June 27, 2026. He urged the elected representatives to work with commitment and dedication to transform their Panchayats into model Panchayats and contribute actively towards building a developed Himachal Pradesh.

    Highlighting the importance of rural development, Rohit Thakur stated that nearly 90 percent of Himachal Pradesh’s population resides in rural areas, making it imperative to ensure the availability of basic amenities in every village. He informed that the 16th Finance Commission is expected to allocate approximately ₹3,744 crore for Panchayati Raj institutions, which will be utilized for development works across Panchayats.

    He further announced that the state government would provide additional resources to strengthen local governance and infrastructure. Referring to the recently concluded Panchayati Raj elections, he stated that 137 Panchayats that were elected unopposed would receive a special grant of ₹25 lakh each as an incentive for consensus-based democratic participation.

    The Education Minister called upon all Pradhans and Up-Pradhans to work at the grassroots level to improve essential services and social welfare initiatives, including sanitation, health care, drinking water supply, and awareness campaigns against drug abuse.

    Deputy Commissioner Shimla Anupam Kashyap welcomed the dignitaries and briefed the gathering about the proceedings of the ceremony. Additional Deputy Commissioner Shimla Sachin Sharma proposed the vote of thanks and expressed gratitude to the chief guest and other distinguished attendees.

    Among those present on the occasion were Chairman of the 7th State Finance Commission and Rampur MLA Nand Lal, Theog MLA Kuldeep Singh Rathore, Rohru MLA Mohan Lal Brakta, Shimla Urban MLA Harish Janartha, Himfed Chairman Maheshwar Singh Chauhan, HPMC Chairman Devanand Verma, Himcon Chairman Vikesh Chauhan, State Women Commission Chairperson Vidya Negi, Child Commission Chairperson Anita Thakur, Vice Chairman of the Drug Prevention Board Sanjay Bhardwaj, Chief IT Advisor to the Chief Minister Gokul Butail, OSD to the Chief Minister Gopal Sharma, Additional Director Panchayati Raj Kewal Sharma, and several other dignitaries.

  • CM Sukhu Hiding Electoral Failures Through False Claims, Says Jai Ram Thakur

    CM Sukhu Hiding Electoral Failures Through False Claims, Says Jai Ram Thakur

    Leader of Opposition claims BJP-backed candidates secured overwhelming majority in Mandi Zila Parishad; attacks government over internal rift and corruption allegations

    Mandi, June 8: Former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur launched a sharp attack on the Congress government, alleging that Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu is attempting to hide his political and administrative failures through false claims and misleading statements.

    Addressing reporters in Mandi after meeting 29 BJP-backed members elected to the Mandi Zila Parishad, Jai Ram Thakur said that the BJP has emerged as the dominant force in the district and is poised to secure 10 out of the 12 Zila Parishad seats. He described the outcome as a clear indication of public support for the BJP and growing dissatisfaction with the state government.

    Reacting to the ongoing exchange of remarks between Chief Minister Sukhu and former Congress leader Neeraj Bharti, the Leader of Opposition alleged that the controversy had exposed the reality behind the government’s anti-drug campaign. He questioned why the Congress retained Neeraj Bharti in a senior party position if the allegations being made against him were true.

    Jai Ram Thakur also accused the Chief Minister of promoting only a select faction within the Congress party while frequently accusing the BJP of factionalism. He claimed that dissent within the Congress had become increasingly visible, citing criticism from senior party leaders and their family members.

    Escalating his attack, Thakur alleged that corruption had become deeply entrenched under the present government. He claimed that issues once discussed privately among the public are now being openly raised by Congress leaders and legislators themselves. The BJP leader alleged that the state’s image had suffered due to allegations of corruption and accused the government of failing to provide transparent and accountable governance.

    Referring to the recent Panchayati Raj and local body election results, Jai Ram Thakur said BJP-supported candidates had performed exceptionally well across the state. According to him, BJP-backed candidates won nearly 75 percent of the posts of Pradhans and Deputy Pradhans, while also securing victories in three out of four municipal corporations.

    Taking a dig at the Chief Minister, Thakur said the Congress had performed poorly even in Hamirpur district and Nadaun constituency, claiming that public anger against the government’s policies was reflected in the election results. He asserted that the mandate was a strong message against the Congress government and predicted that it would have a significant impact on the 2027 Assembly elections.

    The Leader of Opposition reiterated that the BJP would continue to raise public issues both inside and outside the Assembly and oppose what it described as anti-people decisions of the state government.

    MLAs Anil Sharma, Vinod Kumar and Purna Chand, BJP State Spokesperson Ajay Rana, District President Nihal Chand and several senior party leaders were also present on the occasion.

  • Jairam Thakur Slams CM Over Remarks on Elected Representatives, Seeks Answers on Corruption Allegations

    Jairam Thakur Slams CM Over Remarks on Elected Representatives, Seeks Answers on Corruption Allegations

    Mandi, June 5:

    Leader of Opposition and former Chief Minister Jairam Thakur on Friday criticized Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu over his reported remarks concerning elected local body representatives, alleging that the statement amounted to disrespecting democratic institutions and the public mandate.

    In a statement issued from Mandi, Thakur said elected representatives at the district, block and panchayat levels derive their authority from the people and should be treated with respect. He alleged that remarks diminishing their role reflected poorly on democratic values and called upon the Chief Minister to apologise.

    The BJP leader also targeted the state government over corruption allegations raised in recent months. He claimed that instead of responding to the charges, the government was attempting to deflect attention from the issues. Referring to allegations linked to the Chester Hills matter and other controversies, Thakur said the government must provide clear answers rather than dismiss concerns raised by political opponents and members of the public.

    He further alleged that repeated attempts to label such allegations as politically motivated would not address questions being raised about governance and accountability.

    Meanwhile, Thakur met newly elected representatives from various local bodies and Panchayati Raj institutions at his residence in Tandi, Seraj. Representatives from Balh, Ani, Kangra and several newly constituted gram panchayats of Seraj Assembly constituency called on the former Chief Minister and discussed local development priorities and public welfare issues.

    Congratulating the newly elected representatives, Thakur urged them to place public service at the centre of their work and focus on strengthening rural development, transparency and delivery of basic services.

    On the occasion of World Environment Day, the former Chief Minister also planted a sapling in his native village Tandi along with his wife, Dr. Sadhna Thakur. He appealed to people across the state to actively participate in plantation drives and environmental conservation efforts.

    “Trees stand in the sun while giving shade to others. Protecting nature is our collective responsibility and every sapling planted today is an investment in a cleaner and healthier future,” he said.

  • BJP Slams Sukhu Over ‘One-Day Value’ Remark, Demands Public Apology

    BJP Slams Sukhu Over ‘One-Day Value’ Remark, Demands Public Apology

    Shimla June 5

    The BJP has launched a scathing attack on Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu over his alleged remarks regarding elected Zila Parishad and Block Development Committee (BDC) members, describing the statement as an insult to democracy, Panchayati Raj institutions, and the mandate of the people.

    BJP leaders said the Chief Minister’s comments expose an “arrogant mindset” and a lack of respect for grassroots democracy. They argued that elected Zila Parishad and BDC representatives are not individuals with “one-day value,” but public representatives chosen by thousands of voters across Himachal Pradesh.

    “The Chief Minister has insulted not only elected representatives but also the lakhs of voters who exercised their democratic right and placed their trust in them,” BJP leaders said.

    The party alleged that Sukhu’s remarks stem from frustration over the Congress party’s poor performance in Panchayati Raj elections, where a large majority of winning candidates were reportedly backed by the BJP. According to BJP leaders, Congress failed to officially field candidates in many areas because it feared defeat and was aware of growing public dissatisfaction with the state government’s performance and its unfulfilled guarantees.

    They further claimed that the Chief Minister’s statement reflects the growing disconnect between the Congress government and the people of Himachal Pradesh. “When ministers and legislators within the government are themselves struggling for relevance and coordination, the Chief Minister has no moral authority to belittle elected representatives who have secured the people’s mandate,” they said.

    BJP leaders reminded Sukhu that he himself reached the post of Chief Minister through the democratic process and should therefore uphold the dignity of every elected institution. They demanded an immediate withdrawal of the statement and a public apology to all elected Zila Parishad and BDC members.

    “If the Chief Minister fails to retract his remarks and apologize, the BJP will launch a statewide movement against this insult to democratic values and Panchayati Raj institutions,” the party warned.

  • Congress Leader Lata Devi Registers Consecutive Victory in Baloh Panchayat Polls

    Congress Leader Lata Devi Registers Consecutive Victory in Baloh Panchayat Polls

    Wins Pradhan Election for Second Straight Term, Defeats BJP Rival by 121 Votes

    Hamirpur, May 30: Senior Congress leader Lata Devi has secured a resounding victory in the Baloh Gram Panchayat Pradhan election, winning the post for a second consecutive term. She defeated her nearest rival by a margin of 121 votes, achieving the feat in the home panchayat of a BJP rural mandal president.

    Expressing gratitude after her victory, Lata Devi thanked Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu for his leadership and policies aimed at strengthening Panchayati Raj institutions and empowering women at the grassroots level.

    She said various welfare schemes implemented by the state government have positively impacted rural communities and contributed to improved living standards.

    Lata Devi also acknowledged the support of her political advisor Sunil Sharma Bittu, crediting his guidance and strategy for the successful campaign.

    A prominent Congress figure in Hamirpur, Lata Devi has been active in public life and politics for nearly three decades. Beginning her political journey with the Youth Congress, she has held several organisational responsibilities and previously served as General Secretary of the District Congress Committee, Hamirpur.

    Known for her work in rural development, women empowerment and social welfare, Lata Devi said she would continue to work with dedication for the all-round development of Baloh Panchayat.

    “Public service is my commitment, and the comprehensive development of Gram Panchayat Baloh will remain my highest priority,” she said.