Tensions ran high in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, on Wednesday as hundreds of protesters clashed with police over an alleged illegal mosque. Footage shows demonstrators, including women, chanting slogans against the mosque.

Shimla Protests: Clashes erupt over 'illegal' mosque construction

<p>MLAs in the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh will not receive any pension if they defect to other parties, according to an amended bill passed in the State Assembly on Wednesday (Sep 4).&nbsp;</p>

<p>The unprecedented move is aimed at tightening the noose around defectors who switch parties after elections to seek 'greener' pastures.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu introduced the&nbsp;Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly (Allowances and Pension of Members) Amendment Bill, 2024, which could set a precedent for other Indian states.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“A person shall not be entitled to a pension under the Act if he has been disqualified at any point of time under the tenth schedule of the Constitution (anti-defection law)," reads the language of the bill.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Secton 6B of the bill stipulates that every legislator that has served for any period up to five years, is entitled to a pension of Rs 36,000 per month ($428). Additionally, every legislator will be given an extra pension of Rs 1,000 ($12) per month for every year in excess of the period of the first term.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/six-congress-mlas-disqualified-from-himachal-pradesh-assembly-for-cross-voting-bjp-695188https://www.wionews.com/videos/six-congress-mlas-disqualified-from-himachal-pradesh-assembly-for-cross-voting-bjp-695188"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Six Congress MLAs disqualified from Himachal Pradesh Assembly for cross-voting BJP</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>Congress MLAs disqualified</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier in February this year, six Indian National Congress (INC) MLAs viz.,&nbsp;Sudhir Sharma, Ravi Thakur, Rajinder Rana, Inder Dutt Lakhanpal, Chetanya Sharma and Devinder Kumar were disqualified under the&nbsp;anti-defection law.</p>

<p>The Congress lawmakers defied the party whip and abstained from the assembly during the&nbsp;passing of the Budget for 2024-25 and discussions on a cut motion.</p>

<p>"Six MLAs, who contested on Congress symbol, attracted provisions of anti-defection law against themselves. I declare that the six people cease to be members of the Himachal Pradesh Assembly with immediate effect," Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania announced at the time.</p>

<p>The petition to disqualify the MLAs was filed by Congress leader and parliamentary affairs Minister Harsh Wardhan Chauhan under the anti-defection law.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/himachal-pradesh-political-crisis-speaker-disqualifies-6-congress-mlas-who-cross-voted-for-bjp-695045"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Himachal Pradesh political crisis: Speaker disqualifies 6 Congress MLAs who cross-voted for BJP</strong></a></p>

<p>All six MLAs joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) later which brought down the strength of the ruling party down to 33 from 39 in the now 68-member assembly.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, the Tenth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, referred to as the&nbsp;‘Anti-Defection Law’, is designed to prevent such opportunistic jumps by political leaders. It was passed by the Parliament in 1985.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


MLAs in the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh will not receive any pension if they defect to other parties, according to an amended bill passed in the State Assembly on Wednesday (Sep 4).

MLAs in the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh will not receive any pension if they defect to other parties, according to an amended bill passed in the State Assembly on Wednesday (Sep 4). The unprecedented move is aimed at tightening the noose around defectors who switch parties after elections to seek 'greener' pastures. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu introduced the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly (Allowances and Pension of Members) Amendment Bill, 2024, which could set a precedent for other Indian states. “A person shall not be entitled to a pension under the Act if he has been disqualified at any point of time under the tenth schedule of the Constitution (anti-defection law)," reads the language of the bill. The Secton 6B of the bill stipulates that every legislator that has served for any period up to five years, is entitled to a pension of Rs 36,000 per month ($428). Additionally, every legislator will be given an extra pension of Rs 1,000 ($12) per month for every year in excess of the period of the first term. Watch | Six Congress MLAs disqualified from Himachal Pradesh Assembly for cross-voting BJP × Congress MLAs disqualified Earlier in February this year, six Indian National Congress (INC) MLAs viz., Sudhir Sharma, Ravi Thakur, Rajinder Rana, Inder Dutt Lakhanpal, Chetanya Sharma and Devinder Kumar were disqualified under the anti-defection law. The Congress lawmakers defied the party whip and abstained from the assembly during the passing of the Budget for 2024-25 and discussions on a cut motion. "Six MLAs, who contested on Congress symbol, attracted provisions of anti-defection law against themselves. I declare that the six people cease to be members of the Himachal Pradesh Assembly with immediate effect," Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania announced at the time. The petition to disqualify the MLAs was filed by Congress leader and parliamentary affairs Minister Harsh Wardhan Chauhan under the anti-defection law. Also read | Himachal Pradesh political crisis: Speaker disqualifies 6 Congress MLAs who cross-voted for BJP All six MLAs joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) later which brought down the strength of the ruling party down to 33 from 39 in the now 68-member assembly. Notably, the Tenth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, referred to as the ‘Anti-Defection Law’, is designed to prevent such opportunistic jumps by political leaders. It was passed by the Parliament in 1985. (With inputs from agencies)

No pension for MLAs who defect in India's Himachal Pradesh after passing of landmark bill

<p>Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Thursday (Aug 29), told the state assembly that all the state members and chief parliamentary secretaries won’t take salaries for two months as the Indian state is going through a financial crisis.</p>

<p>“After discussing in the cabinet, all the members of the cabinet decided that until the state sees good improvement in the coming times, we will not take any salary, nor TA, nor DA for two months,” the CM&nbsp;said.</p>

<p>“This is just a small amount, but a symbolic one. Apart from this, I also request all the MLAs to contribute in this regard,” he&nbsp;added.</p>

<p>Congress has 40 seats and&nbsp;Bharatiya Janata Party&nbsp;(BJP) has 28 members in the 68-seat state assembly.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The opposition leader, former Chief Minister Jairam Thakur, walked out of the assembly after&nbsp;Sukhu's&nbsp;declaration.</p>

<p>“According to the information I have received, they will not take a salary for two months. They have just deferred it since there is a financial crisis in the state. You have created Chief Parliamentary Secretaries (CPS) which cannot be created as per the Constitution. You have given Cabinet, chairman status to many people and all facilities have been given to them. So definitely I believe this is not a solution to all the problems and they have requested all the MLAs,” the former CM&nbsp;said.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-condemns-telangana-cm-revanth-reddys-claims-of-bjp-brs-deal-behind-kavithas-bail-754385">Supreme Court condemns Telangana CM Revanth Reddy's claim of BJP-BRS 'deal' behind Kavitha's bail</a></strong></p>

<p>Thakur also levelled allegations&nbsp;of scam&nbsp;related to the new excise policy, saying, “Liquor vends were auctioned below the reserved prices. The number of liquor vends, especially of country-made liquor, was reduced. Contractors are selling liquor bottles at prices higher than the MRP printed on them. The entire excise policy was formulated only for the benefit of big players in the industry.”</p>

<p>He&nbsp;added, “Bidding for several liquor vends was cancelled with the excuse that there were no bidders. The same vends were later allotted by the state government to its favourite liquor contractors.”</p>

<p>However, Sukhu, in response, asked the BJP MLAs&nbsp;Thakur and Randhir Sharma to submit the complaint and assured them that an investigation would take place.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Thursday (Aug 29), told the state assembly that all the state members and chief parliamentary secretaries won’t take salaries for two months as the Indian state is going through a financial crisis.

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Thursday (Aug 29), told the state assembly that all the state members and chief parliamentary secretaries won’t take salaries for two months as the Indian state is going through a financial crisis. “After discussing in the cabinet, all the members of the cabinet decided that until the state sees good improvement in the coming times, we will not take any salary, nor TA, nor DA for two months,” the CM said. “This is just a small amount, but a symbolic one. Apart from this, I also request all the MLAs to contribute in this regard,” he added. Congress has 40 seats and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has 28 members in the 68-seat state assembly. The opposition leader, former Chief Minister Jairam Thakur, walked out of the assembly after Sukhu's declaration. “According to the information I have received, they will not take a salary for two months. They have just deferred it since there is a financial crisis in the state. You have created Chief Parliamentary Secretaries (CPS) which cannot be created as per the Constitution. You have given Cabinet, chairman status to many people and all facilities have been given to them. So definitely I believe this is not a solution to all the problems and they have requested all the MLAs,” the former CM said. Also Read | Supreme Court condemns Telangana CM Revanth Reddy's claim of BJP-BRS 'deal' behind Kavitha's bail Thakur also levelled allegations of scam related to the new excise policy, saying, “Liquor vends were auctioned below the reserved prices. The number of liquor vends, especially of country-made liquor, was reduced. Contractors are selling liquor bottles at prices higher than the MRP printed on them. The entire excise policy was formulated only for the benefit of big players in the industry.” He added, “Bidding for several liquor vends was cancelled with the excuse that there were no bidders. The same vends were later allotted by the state government to its favourite liquor contractors.” However, Sukhu, in response, asked the BJP MLAs Thakur and Randhir Sharma to submit the complaint and assured them that an investigation would take place. (With inputs from agencies)

Himachal Pradesh authorities refuse to draw salaries for two months amid financial crisis in Indian state

Indian Air Force has joined the operation to rescue pilgrims stranded along a rain-ravaged trek route to the Himalayan Kedarnath shrine in Uttarakhand. 9,099 pilgrims have been rescued so far. Watch in for more details!

Himachal Cloudburst: Indian Air Force joins operation to rescue Kedarnath pilgrims

<p>Several parts of India, including the states of Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh, and Kerala, are grappling with severe flooding following continuous rainfall over the past few weeks. In Maharashtra, the Pune and Nashik districts, are facing severe flooding.&nbsp;</p>

<h3>Maharashtra rainfall updates: Nashik, Pune, Palghar flooding situation</h3>

<p>In Nashik's Malegaon, 12 people have become stranded due to the rising water level of the Girna River. Disaster response teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the fire department were on-site, fully engaged in rescue operations for those trapped.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/video-irony-hunts-down-flooded-delhi-town-planning-institute-after-incessant-rains-746347">Video: Irony hunts down flooded Delhi town planning institute after incessant rains</a></strong></p>

<p>Nashik has experienced 250 mm of rainfall in the past 48 hours, following which the Gangapur Dam released water last night after reaching 86 per cent capacity. A 29-year-old man went missing amid the rising levels of the Godavari River. Several riverside shops have been evacuated, and the local administration has issued alerts to residents.</p>

<p>In Pune, areas such as Ekta Nagar have been inundated. The Army has been deployed to assist with rescue efforts in the affected regions.</p>

<p>Chief Minister Eknath Shinde is set to visit the waterlogged areas in Pune on August 5. He will inspect the Singhad Road area and engage with residents to assess the situation.</p>

<p>In Palghar district, heavy rain resulted in a road accident involving four speeding motorcycles due to low visibility.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;China’s weather extremes threaten the country with flooding and heat</strong></p>

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<p>The weather department has issued further warnings for heavy rain in Pune, Nashik, Palghar, Thane, Raigad, Satara, and Ratnagiri.</p>

<p>The monsoon season has wreaked havoc across several parts of India this year. In Kerala's Wayanad, landslides have claimed over 300 lives. Himachal Pradesh has seen flash floods resulting in 13 deaths and several people going missing.</p>

<p>In northern India, a cloudburst in Jammu and Kashmir has led to the closure of the Srinagar-Leh national highway, effectively cutting off the Kashmir Valley from Ladakh. In Uttar Pradesh, six districts remain flood-affected, with five reported deaths due to rain-related incidents.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Several parts of India, including the states of Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh, and Kerala, are grappling with severe flooding following continuous rainfall over the past few weeks.

Several parts of India, including the states of Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh, and Kerala, are grappling with severe flooding following continuous rainfall over the past few weeks. In Maharashtra, the Pune and Nashik districts, are facing severe flooding. Maharashtra rainfall updates: Nashik, Pune, Palghar flooding situation In Nashik's Malegaon, 12 people have become stranded due to the rising water level of the Girna River. Disaster response teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the fire department were on-site, fully engaged in rescue operations for those trapped. Also read | Video: Irony hunts down flooded Delhi town planning institute after incessant rains Nashik has experienced 250 mm of rainfall in the past 48 hours, following which the Gangapur Dam released water last night after reaching 86 per cent capacity. A 29-year-old man went missing amid the rising levels of the Godavari River. Several riverside shops have been evacuated, and the local administration has issued alerts to residents. In Pune, areas such as Ekta Nagar have been inundated. The Army has been deployed to assist with rescue efforts in the affected regions. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde is set to visit the waterlogged areas in Pune on August 5. He will inspect the Singhad Road area and engage with residents to assess the situation. In Palghar district, heavy rain resulted in a road accident involving four speeding motorcycles due to low visibility. Also watch | China’s weather extremes threaten the country with flooding and heat × The weather department has issued further warnings for heavy rain in Pune, Nashik, Palghar, Thane, Raigad, Satara, and Ratnagiri. The monsoon season has wreaked havoc across several parts of India this year. In Kerala's Wayanad, landslides have claimed over 300 lives. Himachal Pradesh has seen flash floods resulting in 13 deaths and several people going missing. In northern India, a cloudburst in Jammu and Kashmir has led to the closure of the Srinagar-Leh national highway, effectively cutting off the Kashmir Valley from Ladakh. In Uttar Pradesh, six districts remain flood-affected, with five reported deaths due to rain-related incidents. (With inputs from agencies)

After Himachal and Kerala, India's flood fury turns to Maharashtra

Himachal Cloudburst: 800 pilgrims remain stranded in Kedarnath, IAF joins rescue operation

Cloudburst near a hydroelectric power project at Samej Khad in Shimla's Rampur. As many as 36 people have been missing. The SDRF team is at the spot in Shimla for the search & rescue operation. Cloudbursts in Uttarakhand Kedarnath have also killed seven people in India. Authorities are particularly concerned that between 150 to 200 pilgrims may be stranded in Kedarnath.

India Monsoon: Cloudbursts in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand

<p>Indian law enforcement agency Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday (Jul 31) raided 19 locations in states like Punjab and Himachal in connection with alleged fraud by hospitals regarding a union government public health insurance scheme. Both states are ruled by India's opposition parties: Himachal Pradesh by Congress and Punjab by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).</p>

<h2><strong>What did the ED say?</strong></h2>

<p>The federal agency said it took the action in response to a complaint filed by Himachal's State Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau. As per allegations, some hospitals were generating fake ID cards under the central government's Ayushman Bharat Yojana.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjAr7i4wdGHAxW4d2wGHSXXDeIQxfQBKAB6BAgLEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-ed-arrests-jharkhand-minister-alamgir-alam-in-money-laundering-case-721804" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-ed-arrests-jharkhand-minister-alamgir-alam-in-money-laundering-case-721804&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjAr7i4wdGHAxW4d2wGHSXXDeIQxfQBKAB6BAgLEAE">India: ED arrests Jharkhand minister Alamgir Alam in money laundering case after huge cash seizure</a></strong></p>

<p>The ED claimed its probe revealed that Bankey Bihari Hospital, Fortis Hospital, Balaji Hospital, Sood Nursing Home, and Sri Harihar Hospital availed illegal benefits under the government scheme.</p>

<h2><strong>Hospitals of Congress aides under scanner</strong></h2>

<p>As per news reports, hospitals linked to Congress lawmaker RS Bali and Himachal Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu's close aide Rajesh Sharma are also under scanner.</p>

<p>"During the investigation, as many as 373 fake Ayushman cards were identified wherein claims of about Rs 40,68,150 were made for reimbursement from the government in the name of treatments given to the Ayushman card beneficiaries," the ED said.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjAr7i4wdGHAxW4d2wGHSXXDeIQxfQBKAB6BAgJEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/more-trouble-for-aap-as-ed-says-party-received-foreign-funding-seeks-fcra-probe-723648" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/more-trouble-for-aap-as-ed-says-party-received-foreign-funding-seeks-fcra-probe-723648&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjAr7i4wdGHAxW4d2wGHSXXDeIQxfQBKAB6BAgJEAE">More trouble for AAP as ED says party received Rs 7.08 crore in foreign funding, seeks FCRA probe</a></strong></p>

<p>"List of such fake beneficiaries included the names of Rajnish Kumar (ABPMJAY Card No. PPKZU26H7) and Pooja Dhiman (ABPMJAY Card No. PICHWGI08) who, on verification, even denied possession or any information of any such PMJAY Card," the agency said. "Further, they never underwent any such treatment in any of these hospitals."</p>

<p>The agency said some hospitals even made fake claims of treatments/surgery/admission that were never offered to the patients.</p>

<p>Upon the revelation, several fake beneficiary cards were scrapped by the authorities and the accused hospitals were delisted from the government scheme.</p>

<p>"8937 Ayushman Bharat golden cards have so far been scrapped in HP for alleged violation of the AB-PMJAY scheme. As per investigation conducted so far, the case involves PoC of about Rs 25 crore," the agency said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Indian law enforcement agency Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday (Jul 31) raided 19 locations in states like Punjab and Himachal in connection with alleged fraud by hospitals regarding a union government public health insurance scheme.

Indian law enforcement agency Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday (Jul 31) raided 19 locations in states like Punjab and Himachal in connection with alleged fraud by hospitals regarding a union government public health insurance scheme. Both states are ruled by India's opposition parties: Himachal Pradesh by Congress and Punjab by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). What did the ED say? The federal agency said it took the action in response to a complaint filed by Himachal's State Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau. As per allegations, some hospitals were generating fake ID cards under the central government's Ayushman Bharat Yojana. Also Read: India: ED arrests Jharkhand minister Alamgir Alam in money laundering case after huge cash seizure The ED claimed its probe revealed that Bankey Bihari Hospital, Fortis Hospital, Balaji Hospital, Sood Nursing Home, and Sri Harihar Hospital availed illegal benefits under the government scheme. Hospitals of Congress aides under scanner As per news reports, hospitals linked to Congress lawmaker RS Bali and Himachal Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu's close aide Rajesh Sharma are also under scanner. "During the investigation, as many as 373 fake Ayushman cards were identified wherein claims of about Rs 40,68,150 were made for reimbursement from the government in the name of treatments given to the Ayushman card beneficiaries," the ED said. Also Read: More trouble for AAP as ED says party received Rs 7.08 crore in foreign funding, seeks FCRA probe "List of such fake beneficiaries included the names of Rajnish Kumar (ABPMJAY Card No. PPKZU26H7) and Pooja Dhiman (ABPMJAY Card No. PICHWGI08) who, on verification, even denied possession or any information of any such PMJAY Card," the agency said. "Further, they never underwent any such treatment in any of these hospitals." The agency said some hospitals even made fake claims of treatments/surgery/admission that were never offered to the patients. Upon the revelation, several fake beneficiary cards were scrapped by the authorities and the accused hospitals were delisted from the government scheme. "8937 Ayushman Bharat golden cards have so far been scrapped in HP for alleged violation of the AB-PMJAY scheme. As per investigation conducted so far, the case involves PoC of about Rs 25 crore," the agency said. (With inputs from agencies)

India's ED raids 19 locations in opposition-ruled states for alleged fraud by hospitals

Former US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has arrived at Himachal Pradesh’s Kangra airport to meet Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama in Dharamshala. Pelosi is part of a six-member high-level US delegation that has come to India to meet the Dalai Lama. Watch in for more details!

US lawmakers discuss Tibet-China dispute bill, Nancy Pelosi calls meeting with Dalai Lama 'blessing'

US delegation in Dharamshala to meet Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama

US delegation including Nancy Pelosi arrives in Dharamshala to meet Dalai Lama

Former US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi arrives in Dharamshala to meet Dalai Lama

<p><strong>Himachal Pradesh Lok Sabha Elections 2024</strong>: The BJP has won all four seats in the northern state of Himachal Pradesh as results were announced on Tuesday (June 4).</p>

<p>Himachal Pradesh went to polls in the seventh phase of voting on June 1 that also marked the conclusion of India's seven-phase General Election to elect the 18th Lok Sabha, the lower house of Indian parliament directly elected by the people. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) swept all four Lok Sabha seats in the northern state, both in 2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha Elections.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This time, the focus of the politics of Himachal Pradesh was centered in the Mandi Lok Sabha constituency&nbsp;from where the BJP fielded the national award-winning actor Kangana Ranaut against Congress party's Vikramaditya Singh, the son of six-term Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister and Mandi royalist, late Virbhadra Singh. An alumnus of Delhi University's St. Stephen's college, Singh battled out a spirited campaign against the BJP. Ranaut covered the length and breadth of Mandi during weekslong campaign for Lok Sabha and the 'Queen' actor was confident that she will beat the 'King' of Mandi&nbsp;— as Vikramaditya is often described&nbsp;by his supporters in Mandi due to his royal lineage.</p>

<p>Neighbouring Mandi, is Hamirpur Lok Sabha constituency represented by Union Minister Anurag Singh Thakur since 2008 when he first won a bypoll here. Anurag Thakur is the son of former two-term Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal and has kept his political pot boiling with his national prominence&nbsp;— first as the president of BJP Youth Wing and then as Union Minister in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's cabinet. Thakur was&nbsp;up against Congress party's Satpal Raizada this time and won comfortably.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Besides, BJP President JP Nadda hails from Himachal Pradesh's Bilaspur, which falls within Hamirpur Lok Sabha constituency.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Himachal Pradesh Lok Sabha Elections Result 2024: Full List of Candidate</strong></h2>

<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width: 500px;">
	<caption>
	<p>Himachal Pradesh Candidate List</p>
	</caption>
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td style="width: 49px;">No.</td>
			<td style="width: 166px;"><strong>Constituency name</strong></td>
			<td style="width: 137px;"><b>'INDIA' candidate</b></td>
			<td style="width: 137px;"><strong>BJP Candidate</strong></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="width: 49px;">1.</td>
			<td style="width: 166px;">Kangra</td>
			<td style="width: 137px;">Anand Sharma</td>
			<td style="width: 137px;">Rajeev Bhardwaj</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="width: 49px;">2.</td>
			<td style="width: 166px;">Mandi</td>
			<td style="width: 137px;">Vikramaditya Singh</td>
			<td style="width: 137px;">Kangana Ranaut</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="width: 49px;">3.</td>
			<td style="width: 166px;">Hamirpur</td>
			<td style="width: 137px;">Satpal Raizada</td>
			<td style="width: 137px;">Anurag Singh Thakur</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="width: 49px;">4.</td>
			<td style="width: 166px;">Shimla (SC)</td>
			<td style="width: 137px;">Vinod Sultanpuri</td>
			<td style="width: 137px;">Suresh Kashyap</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

<h2><strong>Himachal Pradesh&nbsp;Lok Sabha Election Result 2024 Winner List Partywise</strong></h2>

<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width: 500px;">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td style="width: 49px;">No.</td>
			<td style="width: 166px;"><strong>Constituency name</strong></td>
			<td style="width: 146px;"><b>Winner</b></td>
			<td style="width: 121px;"><b>Party&nbsp;</b></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="width: 49px;">1.</td>
			<td style="width: 166px;">Kangra</td>
			<td style="width: 146px;">Dr Rajeev Bhardwaj</td>
			<td style="width: 121px;">BJP&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="width: 49px;">2.</td>
			<td style="width: 166px;">Mandi</td>
			<td style="width: 146px;">Kangna Ranaut</td>
			<td style="width: 121px;">BJP&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="width: 49px;">3.</td>
			<td style="width: 166px;">Hamirpur</td>
			<td style="width: 146px;">Anurag Singh Thakur</td>
			<td style="width: 121px;">BJP&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="width: 49px;">4.</td>
			<td style="width: 166px;">Shimla (SC)</td>
			<td style="width: 146px;">Suresh Kumar Kashyap</td>
			<td style="width: 121px;">BJP&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>


Himachal Pradesh Lok Sabha Elections 2024: The BJP has won all four seats in the northern state of Himachal Pradesh as results were announced on Tuesday (June 4).

Himachal Pradesh Lok Sabha Elections 2024: The BJP has won all four seats in the northern state of Himachal Pradesh as results were announced on Tuesday (June 4). Himachal Pradesh went to polls in the seventh phase of voting on June 1 that also marked the conclusion of India's seven-phase General Election to elect the 18th Lok Sabha, the lower house of Indian parliament directly elected by the people. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) swept all four Lok Sabha seats in the northern state, both in 2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha Elections. This time, the focus of the politics of Himachal Pradesh was centered in the Mandi Lok Sabha constituency from where the BJP fielded the national award-winning actor Kangana Ranaut against Congress party's Vikramaditya Singh, the son of six-term Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister and Mandi royalist, late Virbhadra Singh. An alumnus of Delhi University's St. Stephen's college, Singh battled out a spirited campaign against the BJP. Ranaut covered the length and breadth of Mandi during weekslong campaign for Lok Sabha and the 'Queen' actor was confident that she will beat the 'King' of Mandi — as Vikramaditya is often described by his supporters in Mandi due to his royal lineage. Neighbouring Mandi, is Hamirpur Lok Sabha constituency represented by Union Minister Anurag Singh Thakur since 2008 when he first won a bypoll here. Anurag Thakur is the son of former two-term Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal and has kept his political pot boiling with his national prominence — first as the president of BJP Youth Wing and then as Union Minister in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's cabinet. Thakur was up against Congress party's Satpal Raizada this time and won comfortably. Besides, BJP President JP Nadda hails from Himachal Pradesh's Bilaspur, which falls within Hamirpur Lok Sabha constituency. Himachal Pradesh Lok Sabha Elections Result 2024: Full List of Candidate Himachal Pradesh Candidate List No. Constituency name 'INDIA' candidate BJP Candidate 1. Kangra Anand Sharma Rajeev Bhardwaj 2. Mandi Vikramaditya Singh Kangana Ranaut 3. Hamirpur Satpal Raizada Anurag Singh Thakur 4. Shimla (SC) Vinod Sultanpuri Suresh Kashyap Himachal Pradesh Lok Sabha Election Result 2024 Winner List Partywise No. Constituency name Winner Party 1. Kangra Dr Rajeev Bhardwaj BJP 2. Mandi Kangna Ranaut BJP 3. Hamirpur Anurag Singh Thakur BJP 4. Shimla (SC) Suresh Kumar Kashyap BJP

Himachal Pradesh Lok Sabha Election Result 2024: BJP wins all four seats

<p>Hours after winning the Mandi seat in Himachal Pradesh for BJP, Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut expressed gratitude to the people for voting for her in a post on social media.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
The actress made her debut in the Lok Sabha polls 2024 and was one of the star candidates for BJP. The actress defeated Congress' Vikramadita Singh by a margin of 74,755 votes.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Expressing gratitude to the people of Mandi, Kangana wrote on Instagram that it was the victory of the people, for having faith in PM Modi and BJP.&nbsp;</p>

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<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C7yf2z6Soiu/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Kangana Ranaut (@kanganaranaut)</a></p>
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<p>After winning the Lok Sabha elections 2024 from Mandi constituency, Kangana Ranaut said, as quoted by news agency ANI, “I am emotional at the moment. I am grateful that the people of Mandi elected the BJP and good governance of PM Modi..."&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | BJP leader Kangana Ranaut says, "I am emotional at the moment. I am grateful that the people of Mandi elected the BJP and good governance of PM Modi..." <a href="https://t.co/aXXZHfWEez">https://t.co/aXXZHfWEez</a> <a href="https://t.co/apGyFIgq4I">pic.twitter.com/apGyFIgq4I</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1797969827652640874?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 4, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Earlier in the day, as news of her leading in the early phase of counting came to light, Kangana was seen seeking blessings at a temple and from her mother.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
The actress, who was last seen in 2023 film <em>Tejas</em>, will soon be seen playing former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in <em>Emergency</em>. She has also directed the film. The exact release date of the film is not known yet.&nbsp;</p>


Hours after winning the Mandi seat in Himachal Pradesh for BJP, Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut expressed gratitude to the people for voting for her in a post on social media.

Hours after winning the Mandi seat in Himachal Pradesh for BJP, Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut expressed gratitude to the people for voting for her in a post on social media. The actress made her debut in the Lok Sabha polls 2024 and was one of the star candidates for BJP. The actress defeated Congress' Vikramadita Singh by a margin of 74,755 votes. Expressing gratitude to the people of Mandi, Kangana wrote on Instagram that it was the victory of the people, for having faith in PM Modi and BJP. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kangana Ranaut (@kanganaranaut) × After winning the Lok Sabha elections 2024 from Mandi constituency, Kangana Ranaut said, as quoted by news agency ANI, “I am emotional at the moment. I am grateful that the people of Mandi elected the BJP and good governance of PM Modi..." #WATCH | BJP leader Kangana Ranaut says, "I am emotional at the moment. I am grateful that the people of Mandi elected the BJP and good governance of PM Modi..." https://t.co/aXXZHfWEez pic.twitter.com/apGyFIgq4I — ANI (@ANI) June 4, 2024 × Earlier in the day, as news of her leading in the early phase of counting came to light, Kangana was seen seeking blessings at a temple and from her mother. The actress, who was last seen in 2023 film Tejas, will soon be seen playing former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in Emergency. She has also directed the film. The exact release date of the film is not known yet.

Lok Sabha Polls 2024: Kangana Ranaut wins Mandi seat, says its the victory of the voters

<p>Bollywood actor and BJP's star candidate from Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, Kangana Ranaut is leading against Congress' Vikramaditya Singh, according to early trends. The Bollywood star, who made her electoral debut this year, has so far received 4,09,558 votes while Singh is trailing with 3,55,516 votes.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Photos of Kangana praying ahead of the final Lok Sabha results have emerged online. Dressed in a pastel saree, Kangana is seen standing in front of the idol of Lord Ganesha and praying.<br />
<br />
She also spoke to ANI and said she will stay in her '<em>janambhoomi'</em> (birthplace) Himachal Pradesh. She said, "Mandi has not taken kindly to the insults for daughters. As far as my departure to Mumbai is concerned, this (Himachal Pradesh) is my '<em>janmabhoomi'</em> and I will continue to serve people here...So, I am not going anywhere. Perhaps, someone else will have to pack their bags and leave. I am not going anywhere."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Himachal Pradesh: On Congress candidate Vikramaditya Singh's comments for her, BJP candidate from Mandi and actor Kangana Ranaut says, "...Mandi has not taken kindly to the insults for daughters. As far as my departure to Mumbai is concerned, this (Himachal Pradesh) is… <a href="https://t.co/uBuu7UKZL8">pic.twitter.com/uBuu7UKZL8</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1797866341317374406?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 4, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Kangana Ranaut was last seen in the 2023 film <em>Tejas.</em> She will next be seen in the political drama titled <em>Emergency,</em> which she has also directed and produced. The film is based on former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's life.&nbsp;</p>

<h1><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-elections-results-2024-bjp-to-get-a-hat-trick-or-india-bloc-to-rise-and-shine-728474">Lok Sabha Election Results 2024: Exit polls defied as INDIA bloc gives tough fight to NDA</a></h1>


Bollywood actor and BJP's star candidate from Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, Kangana Ranaut is leading against Congress' Vikramaditya Singh, according to early trends.

Bollywood actor and BJP's star candidate from Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, Kangana Ranaut is leading against Congress' Vikramaditya Singh, according to early trends. The Bollywood star, who made her electoral debut this year, has so far received 4,09,558 votes while Singh is trailing with 3,55,516 votes. Photos of Kangana praying ahead of the final Lok Sabha results have emerged online. Dressed in a pastel saree, Kangana is seen standing in front of the idol of Lord Ganesha and praying. She also spoke to ANI and said she will stay in her 'janambhoomi' (birthplace) Himachal Pradesh. She said, "Mandi has not taken kindly to the insults for daughters. As far as my departure to Mumbai is concerned, this (Himachal Pradesh) is my 'janmabhoomi' and I will continue to serve people here...So, I am not going anywhere. Perhaps, someone else will have to pack their bags and leave. I am not going anywhere." #WATCH | Himachal Pradesh: On Congress candidate Vikramaditya Singh's comments for her, BJP candidate from Mandi and actor Kangana Ranaut says, "...Mandi has not taken kindly to the insults for daughters. As far as my departure to Mumbai is concerned, this (Himachal Pradesh) is… pic.twitter.com/uBuu7UKZL8 — ANI (@ANI) June 4, 2024 × Kangana Ranaut was last seen in the 2023 film Tejas. She will next be seen in the political drama titled Emergency, which she has also directed and produced. The film is based on former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's life. Lok Sabha Election Results 2024: Exit polls defied as INDIA bloc gives tough fight to NDA

Lok Sabha Poll Results 2024: Kangana Ranaut offers prayers as she leads from Mandi seat in Himachal

<p>A powerful earthquake measuring 5.3 on the Richter scale has struck Chamba, a picturesque town in Himachal Pradesh, India.&nbsp;</p>

<p>At 9:34 pm in evening hours of Thursday (Apr 4), Chamba was jolted and the tremors reverberated strongly throughout the town and even reached as far as Manali, approximately 100 km away.</p>

<p>Fortunately, there have been no reports of major damage thus far.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/videos-show-how-rescue-workers-saved-child-from-16-feet-deep-borewell-in-india-707795">Videos show how rescue workers saved child from 16-feet deep borewell in India</a></p>

<p>According to the National Center for Seismology, the earthquake struck Chamba at a depth of 10 kilometres.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/son-in-law-after-sons-2019-loss-robert-vadra-reacts-if-he-will-contest-lok-sabha-polls-from-amethi-707747">Son-in-law after son's 2019 loss? Robert Vadra reacts to 'chances' of contesting Lok Sabha polls from Amethi</a></p>

<p>Divyanshu, a resident of Manali, reportedly described feeling the tremors intensely, stating, "Felt quite strong tremors in Manali. It lasted for about seven seconds."</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-a-secret-chinese-military-base-in-maldives-to-counter-india-707849">Gravitas | A secret Chinese military base in Maldives to counter India?</a></strong></p>

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<p>Sanjay Kumar, a resident of Chandigarh, recounted his experience, saying, "I felt a strong jolt lasting a couple of seconds. Just when I was thinking of rushing downstairs, the tremors stopped," as reported to PTI news agency.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A powerful earthquake measuring 5.3 on the Richter scale has struck Chamba, a picturesque town in Himachal Pradesh, India. At 9:34 pm in evening hours of Thursday (Apr 4), Chamba was jolted and the tremors reverberated strongly throughout the town and even reached as far as Manali, approximately 100 km away.

A powerful earthquake measuring 5.3 on the Richter scale has struck Chamba, a picturesque town in Himachal Pradesh, India. At 9:34 pm in evening hours of Thursday (Apr 4), Chamba was jolted and the tremors reverberated strongly throughout the town and even reached as far as Manali, approximately 100 km away. Fortunately, there have been no reports of major damage thus far. Also Read | Videos show how rescue workers saved child from 16-feet deep borewell in India According to the National Center for Seismology, the earthquake struck Chamba at a depth of 10 kilometres. Also Read | Son-in-law after son's 2019 loss? Robert Vadra reacts to 'chances' of contesting Lok Sabha polls from Amethi Divyanshu, a resident of Manali, reportedly described feeling the tremors intensely, stating, "Felt quite strong tremors in Manali. It lasted for about seven seconds." Watch | Gravitas | A secret Chinese military base in Maldives to counter India? × Sanjay Kumar, a resident of Chandigarh, recounted his experience, saying, "I felt a strong jolt lasting a couple of seconds. Just when I was thinking of rushing downstairs, the tremors stopped," as reported to PTI news agency. (With inputs from agencies)

5.3 magnitude earthquake rocks Chamba in India's Himachal Pradesh

<p>Six Congress rebels and three Independent MLAs from Himachal Pradesh joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday (Mar 23), altering the state's political landscape.</p>

<h2><strong>Rebel Congress MLAs disqualified</strong></h2>

<p>The rebel Congress MLAs Sudhir Sharma (Dharamsala), Rajinder Rana (Sujanpur), Inder Dutt Lakhanpal (Badsar), Ravi Thakur (Lahaul-Spiti), Chaitanya Sharma (Gagret), and Devender Bhutto (Kutlehar) faced disqualification for disobeying party orders to support the ruling Congress candidates during voting for the Rajya Sabha elections. Aside from voting for the BJP in the Rajya Sabha polls, the rebel MLAs did not vote on the Budget in the assembly.</p>

<p>The Supreme Court declined to stay the disqualification of rebel Congress leaders under the anti-defection law, ordering them not to participate in assembly proceedings until further notice, stirring a legal battle. This marks the first instance of disqualification of an MLA from Himachal Pradesh under the anti-defection law.</p>

<p>MLAs Ashish Sharma, Hoshiyar Singh, and KL Thakur, despite seeking BJP tickets initially, has contested as Independents in the 2022 Assembly polls and won from Hamirpur, Dehra, and Nalagarh respectively, later lending support to the Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu-led Congress government.</p>

<p>The&nbsp;Independent MLAs accused Chief Minister Sukhu of vindictive actions, and lodging of false cases against them and their families, while Sukhu said that MLAs should have respected the public's mandate. They submitted their resignations to Assembly Secretary Yash Paul Sharma on March 23.</p>

<h2><strong>Himachal Pradesh Assembly strength</strong></h2>

<p>With the disqualification, the effective strength of the Himachal Assembly dropped to 34 from 40 in the 68-member, impacting the balance of power, as the ruling Congress saw a reduction in its numbers.</p>

<p>The election for the 6 vacant assembly seats will take place on June 1 along with the 7th and the final phase of the Lok Sabha election, according to the Election Commission of India.</p>

<p>Himachal Pradesh has four Lok Sabha constituencies - Kangra, Mandi, Hamirpur and Shimla. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections BJP had won all the four seats.<br />
<br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Six Congress rebels and three Independent MLAs from Himachal Pradesh joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday (Mar 23), altering the state's political landscape.

Six Congress rebels and three Independent MLAs from Himachal Pradesh joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday (Mar 23), altering the state's political landscape. Rebel Congress MLAs disqualified The rebel Congress MLAs Sudhir Sharma (Dharamsala), Rajinder Rana (Sujanpur), Inder Dutt Lakhanpal (Badsar), Ravi Thakur (Lahaul-Spiti), Chaitanya Sharma (Gagret), and Devender Bhutto (Kutlehar) faced disqualification for disobeying party orders to support the ruling Congress candidates during voting for the Rajya Sabha elections. Aside from voting for the BJP in the Rajya Sabha polls, the rebel MLAs did not vote on the Budget in the assembly. The Supreme Court declined to stay the disqualification of rebel Congress leaders under the anti-defection law, ordering them not to participate in assembly proceedings until further notice, stirring a legal battle. This marks the first instance of disqualification of an MLA from Himachal Pradesh under the anti-defection law. MLAs Ashish Sharma, Hoshiyar Singh, and KL Thakur, despite seeking BJP tickets initially, has contested as Independents in the 2022 Assembly polls and won from Hamirpur, Dehra, and Nalagarh respectively, later lending support to the Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu-led Congress government. The Independent MLAs accused Chief Minister Sukhu of vindictive actions, and lodging of false cases against them and their families, while Sukhu said that MLAs should have respected the public's mandate. They submitted their resignations to Assembly Secretary Yash Paul Sharma on March 23. Himachal Pradesh Assembly strength With the disqualification, the effective strength of the Himachal Assembly dropped to 34 from 40 in the 68-member, impacting the balance of power, as the ruling Congress saw a reduction in its numbers. The election for the 6 vacant assembly seats will take place on June 1 along with the 7th and the final phase of the Lok Sabha election, according to the Election Commission of India. Himachal Pradesh has four Lok Sabha constituencies - Kangra, Mandi, Hamirpur and Shimla. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections BJP had won all the four seats. (With inputs from agencies)

Himachal Pradesh political shake-up: 6 Congress rebels and 3 independent MLAs jump ship to BJP

Ahead of the Lok Sabha elections in India Himachal Pradesh Congress president Pratibha Singh has declined to contest for the Lok Sabha elections citing unfavourable ground conditions. Watch to know more!

India elections 2024: Congress faces jolt in Himachal Pradesh

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<p>Heavy snowfall in Himachal Pradesh's Spiti Valley left at least 81 tourists stranded due to the closure of roads. They were later shifted to safer places, the police said on Monday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the State Emergency Operation Centre, incessant rain and snow for the past three days caused several avalanches and landslides in Himachal Pradesh. On Monday, over 650 roads, including five national highways, remained closed for vehicular movement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Sunday night, the authorities shifted as many as 81 tourists stranded in Spiti Valley in Lahaul and Spiti district&nbsp;in different hotels or homestays, the police stated. In the tribal district, about 290 roads were closed, and several places were without electricity for two days, the statement added. At least 1,314 transformers are out of order in Himachal Pradesh, the State Emergency Operation Centre stated. Furthermore, heavy showers and snowfall in Spiti also interrupted mobile networks.</p>

<p>The officials informed that an avalanche that hit Dara Waterfall near Jasrat village in Lahaul and Spiti on Sunday obstructed the flow of Chenab. It triggered an alert in the neighbouring areas.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-ensure-clean-politics-pm-modi-hails-scs-judgment-on-immunity-in-bribery-case-696350">‘Will ensure clean politics,’ PM Modi hails SC judgment on ‘immunity in bribery case’</a></p>

<p>They have urged the people residing in the neighbouring villages of Jobrang, Rapi, Jasrath, Tarand and Tharot to stay alert and contact the nearest police post if there's an emergency. Meanwhile, cold wave conditions continued across Himachal Pradesh.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The weather office in Shimla had issued a red alert for Saturday, predicting thunderstorms with lightning, hailstorms and heavy rain at isolated places accompanied by gusty winds reaching speeds of 40-50 kilometres per hour.</p>

<p>An avalanche near Nehrukhund on the Manali-Solang Nallah road buried five vehicles parked on a roadside. Another landslide occurred in the Bharmaur area of the Chamba district, damaging a house. A few houses in the region are still under threat of damage.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Koksar in Lahaul and Spiti received 88.3 cm of snow, the highest in the state. The remote Dodra Kwar subdivision of Shimla district has been cut off from the rest of the state as the Shimla-Kinnaur road was blocked near Negulsari. The heavy snowfall also led to the closure of the Rohtang Pass.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The local meteorological office has predicted a wet spell in Himachal Pradesh till March 7 as a fresh western disturbance would impact the Western Himalayas from the night of March 5.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Heavy snowfall in Himachal Pradesh's Spiti Valley left at least 81 tourists stranded due to the closure of roads. They were later shifted to safer places, the police said on Monday.

Heavy snowfall in Himachal Pradesh's Spiti Valley left at least 81 tourists stranded due to the closure of roads. They were later shifted to safer places, the police said on Monday. According to the State Emergency Operation Centre, incessant rain and snow for the past three days caused several avalanches and landslides in Himachal Pradesh. On Monday, over 650 roads, including five national highways, remained closed for vehicular movement. On Sunday night, the authorities shifted as many as 81 tourists stranded in Spiti Valley in Lahaul and Spiti district in different hotels or homestays, the police stated. In the tribal district, about 290 roads were closed, and several places were without electricity for two days, the statement added. At least 1,314 transformers are out of order in Himachal Pradesh, the State Emergency Operation Centre stated. Furthermore, heavy showers and snowfall in Spiti also interrupted mobile networks. The officials informed that an avalanche that hit Dara Waterfall near Jasrat village in Lahaul and Spiti on Sunday obstructed the flow of Chenab. It triggered an alert in the neighbouring areas. ALSO READ | ‘Will ensure clean politics,’ PM Modi hails SC judgment on ‘immunity in bribery case’ They have urged the people residing in the neighbouring villages of Jobrang, Rapi, Jasrath, Tarand and Tharot to stay alert and contact the nearest police post if there's an emergency. Meanwhile, cold wave conditions continued across Himachal Pradesh. The weather office in Shimla had issued a red alert for Saturday, predicting thunderstorms with lightning, hailstorms and heavy rain at isolated places accompanied by gusty winds reaching speeds of 40-50 kilometres per hour. An avalanche near Nehrukhund on the Manali-Solang Nallah road buried five vehicles parked on a roadside. Another landslide occurred in the Bharmaur area of the Chamba district, damaging a house. A few houses in the region are still under threat of damage. Koksar in Lahaul and Spiti received 88.3 cm of snow, the highest in the state. The remote Dodra Kwar subdivision of Shimla district has been cut off from the rest of the state as the Shimla-Kinnaur road was blocked near Negulsari. The heavy snowfall also led to the closure of the Rohtang Pass. The local meteorological office has predicted a wet spell in Himachal Pradesh till March 7 as a fresh western disturbance would impact the Western Himalayas from the night of March 5. (With inputs from agencies)

Heavy snowfall in Himachal's Spiti Valley blocks over 650 roads; tourists shifted to safer locations

<p>The unfolding political crisis in northern India's Himachal Pradesh state after the Congress party lost the lone seat in upper house of parliament Rajya Sabha to the Bharatiya Janata Party due to cross-voting by its MLAs has laid out the blemished picture for the opposition ahead of general elections.</p>

<p>The Congress, with its Indian National Democratic Inclusive Alliance (INDIA), is seeking to challenge Prime Minister Narendra Modi's claim for a third consecutive term in power in the Lok Sabha elections due this summer.</p>

<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/web-stories/india-news/business-economy/himachal-pradesh-how-power-is-slipping-away-from-under-cm-sukhus-nose-1709101158373">How Power is Slipping Away Under CM Sukhu's Nose</a></strong></p>

<p>But after a poor showing in just-held Rajya Sabha polls, the struggle for a 'safe' seat for Rahul Gandhi, the fifth-generation Gandhi dynast&nbsp;—after an ally fielded its candidate from southern India's Wayanad&nbsp;— is emerging as a telling tale of the crises gripping India's oldest political party.</p>

<h2><strong>Himachal Pradesh political crisis</strong></h2>

<p>Himachal Pradesh under Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu is the only state in northern India that has a Congress government as of now. After six MLAs cross-voted for the BJP Rajya Sabha candidate Harsh Mahajan, the alarm bells are ringing for the Sukhu government, with former CM and the current leader of opposition in the state assembly demanding a floor test in a stunning challenge Sukhu, who is just in his 14th month in power.&nbsp;</p>

<p>From New Delhi's 24, Akbar Road&nbsp;— the headquarters of the Congress party&nbsp;— the calls have been made and the messages are dispatched.</p>

<p>Senior leaders Bhupendra Singh Hooda and DK Shivakumar have been sent to Shimla as special observers to supervise the party's activities amid the fallout. Sukhu is claiming he still has the majority.</p>

<p>But the government appears to on a sticky wicket, with a&nbsp;confidence motion expected to decide whether the Congress government would be out of the state or remain on the crease for the rest of its tenure.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Rajya Sabha Election results: Implications ahead of General Elections</strong></h2>

<p>Voting took place&nbsp;for 15 seats for Rajya Sabha seats of Himachal Pradesh (1), Uttar Pradesh (10) and Karnataka (4). A total of 41 leaders for 56 seats, including former Congress chief Sonia Gandhi and BJP chief JP Nadda, were elected unopposed in recent days.</p>

<p>The BJP won 10 of 15 Rajya Sabha seats, with one win from Himachal Pradesh emerging as a surprise for many because the party does not have a government in the state.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The results came amid news that the former party chief Rahul Gandhi, who contested two Lok Sabha seats in 2019 — the family pocket borough of Amethi and Wayanad in Kerala&nbsp;— is looking for a 'third' safe seat after the Communist Party fielded its candidate from Wayanad.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;India: BJP's big win in Rajya Sabha; bags eight seats in Uttar Pradesh, one in HP &amp; Karnataka</strong></p>

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<p>His mother Sonia Gandhi already gave up her Raebareli Lok Sabha seat and chose to enter the parliament through Rajya Sabha.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Congress party continues to remain ambiguous on who will claim the space left by Sonia Gandhi in Raebareli, with daughter Priyanka Gandhi-Vadra failing to confirm if at all she will formally contest the elections later this summer.</p>

<p>As the party looks to challenge Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the peak of his power, questions remain on the ability of India's grand old party to sail through the storm of tumultuous political waters.&nbsp;</p>


The unfolding political crisis in northern India's Himachal Pradesh state after the Congress party lost the lone seat in upper house of parliament Rajya Sabha to the Bharatiya Janata Party due to cross-voting by its MLAs has laid out the blemished picture for the opposition ahead of general elections.

The unfolding political crisis in northern India's Himachal Pradesh state after the Congress party lost the lone seat in upper house of parliament Rajya Sabha to the Bharatiya Janata Party due to cross-voting by its MLAs has laid out the blemished picture for the opposition ahead of general elections. The Congress, with its Indian National Democratic Inclusive Alliance (INDIA), is seeking to challenge Prime Minister Narendra Modi's claim for a third consecutive term in power in the Lok Sabha elections due this summer. Also read | How Power is Slipping Away Under CM Sukhu's Nose But after a poor showing in just-held Rajya Sabha polls, the struggle for a 'safe' seat for Rahul Gandhi, the fifth-generation Gandhi dynast —after an ally fielded its candidate from southern India's Wayanad — is emerging as a telling tale of the crises gripping India's oldest political party. Himachal Pradesh political crisis Himachal Pradesh under Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu is the only state in northern India that has a Congress government as of now. After six MLAs cross-voted for the BJP Rajya Sabha candidate Harsh Mahajan, the alarm bells are ringing for the Sukhu government, with former CM and the current leader of opposition in the state assembly demanding a floor test in a stunning challenge Sukhu, who is just in his 14th month in power. From New Delhi's 24, Akbar Road — the headquarters of the Congress party — the calls have been made and the messages are dispatched. Senior leaders Bhupendra Singh Hooda and DK Shivakumar have been sent to Shimla as special observers to supervise the party's activities amid the fallout. Sukhu is claiming he still has the majority. But the government appears to on a sticky wicket, with a confidence motion expected to decide whether the Congress government would be out of the state or remain on the crease for the rest of its tenure. Rajya Sabha Election results: Implications ahead of General Elections Voting took place for 15 seats for Rajya Sabha seats of Himachal Pradesh (1), Uttar Pradesh (10) and Karnataka (4). A total of 41 leaders for 56 seats, including former Congress chief Sonia Gandhi and BJP chief JP Nadda, were elected unopposed in recent days. The BJP won 10 of 15 Rajya Sabha seats, with one win from Himachal Pradesh emerging as a surprise for many because the party does not have a government in the state. The results came amid news that the former party chief Rahul Gandhi, who contested two Lok Sabha seats in 2019 — the family pocket borough of Amethi and Wayanad in Kerala — is looking for a 'third' safe seat after the Communist Party fielded its candidate from Wayanad. Also watch | India: BJP's big win in Rajya Sabha; bags eight seats in Uttar Pradesh, one in HP & Karnataka × His mother Sonia Gandhi already gave up her Raebareli Lok Sabha seat and chose to enter the parliament through Rajya Sabha. The Congress party continues to remain ambiguous on who will claim the space left by Sonia Gandhi in Raebareli, with daughter Priyanka Gandhi-Vadra failing to confirm if at all she will formally contest the elections later this summer. As the party looks to challenge Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the peak of his power, questions remain on the ability of India's grand old party to sail through the storm of tumultuous political waters.

Himachal Pradesh political crisis after Rajya Sabha debacle: What it means for Congress party

<p>A day after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) managed to upstage Congress to win the sole Rajya Sabha (Upper House) seat in Himachal Pradesh, the party has now sought a no-trust vote in the state assembly. The Leader of the Opposition&nbsp;Jairam Thakur, alongside other BJP MLAs, met the Himachal Pradesh governor, early on Wednesday and sought a test of strength for the&nbsp;Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu-led government.</p>

<p>"We have pulled off a victory when our chances seemed very low. BJP candidate Harsh Mahajan won the Rajya Sabha elections. Currently, the Congress government has lost the moral right to stay in power," said Thakur after meeting Governor Shiv Pratak Shukla.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, hours later, Thakur alongside his 14 aides was expelled from the assembly&nbsp;for allegedly shouting slogans and misconduct in the Chamber of the Speaker.</p>

<p>Thakur had been demanding a division of votes for passing the state budget, scheduled to be presented in the state assembly later in the day, instead of a voice vote.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to experts, if the BJP's request is allowed, the division of votes would establish the actual support of each party. If Congress fails to get the budget passed, it would&nbsp;automatically prove that it lacks a majority in the House. However, after the expulsion of 15 BJP leaders, the permutations and combinations regarding the budget vote have changed.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-alleges-congress-mps-raised-pro-pakistan-slogans-after-rajya-sabha-victory-694551"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;BJP alleges Congress MPs raised pro-Pakistan slogans after Rajya Sabha victory</strong></a></p>

<p>The equations changed yet again for Congress when MLA Vikramaditya Singh, son of former CM Virbhadra Singh announced his resignation from the council of ministers, alleging that the Sukhu-government had humiliated its own MLAs several times. His resignation has stoked fears that other MLAs might be looking to bow out of the Congress party.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The man who lived for Himachal Virbhadra Singh was humiliated. Is this how much they respect my father?" said&nbsp;Sukhu.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After Singh's departure, Congress has 39 MLAs left while BJP has 26 MLAs in the 68-seat assembly.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-bjps-big-win-in-rajya-sabha-bags-eight-seats-in-uttar-pradesh-one-in-hp-karnataka-694566"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;India: BJP's big win in Rajya Sabha; bags eight seats in Uttar Pradesh, one in HP &amp; Karnataka</strong></a></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What did Sukhu say?</strong></h2>

<p>After cross-voting resulted in Congress losing its advantage and senior leader Abhishek Singhvi conceding defeat, a dejected Sukhu blamed his party men for being sell-outs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"When someone has sold out their honesty. Nine cross-votings took place, three of them were Independent MLAs but six others sold their honesty...and voted against him (Abhishek Manu Singhvi),"&nbsp;said Sukhu.</p>

<p>"There is a government and an opposition in a democracy but the kind of hooliganism ('gundagardi') being done by the opposition will never be accepted by the people of Himachal," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>To arrest the slide in the state, Congress' upper hierarchy deployed&nbsp;senior leaders Bhupinder Singh Hooda and DK Shivakumar. Both have been appointed as observers to ensure that Congress does not lose power, mere months ahead of the general elections.</p>

<p>Media reports on Wednesday claimed that Sukhu had tendered his resignation following the events of the last 24 hours. However, he came out with a statement saying he was a "warrior" and that Congress will complete its five-years term in office.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A day after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) managed to upstage Congress to win the sole Rajya Sabha (Upper House) seat in Himachal Pradesh, the party has now sought a no-trust vote in the state assembly.

A day after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) managed to upstage Congress to win the sole Rajya Sabha (Upper House) seat in Himachal Pradesh, the party has now sought a no-trust vote in the state assembly. The Leader of the Opposition Jairam Thakur, alongside other BJP MLAs, met the Himachal Pradesh governor, early on Wednesday and sought a test of strength for the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu-led government. "We have pulled off a victory when our chances seemed very low. BJP candidate Harsh Mahajan won the Rajya Sabha elections. Currently, the Congress government has lost the moral right to stay in power," said Thakur after meeting Governor Shiv Pratak Shukla. However, hours later, Thakur alongside his 14 aides was expelled from the assembly for allegedly shouting slogans and misconduct in the Chamber of the Speaker. Thakur had been demanding a division of votes for passing the state budget, scheduled to be presented in the state assembly later in the day, instead of a voice vote. According to experts, if the BJP's request is allowed, the division of votes would establish the actual support of each party. If Congress fails to get the budget passed, it would automatically prove that it lacks a majority in the House. However, after the expulsion of 15 BJP leaders, the permutations and combinations regarding the budget vote have changed. Also read | BJP alleges Congress MPs raised pro-Pakistan slogans after Rajya Sabha victory The equations changed yet again for Congress when MLA Vikramaditya Singh, son of former CM Virbhadra Singh announced his resignation from the council of ministers, alleging that the Sukhu-government had humiliated its own MLAs several times. His resignation has stoked fears that other MLAs might be looking to bow out of the Congress party. "The man who lived for Himachal Virbhadra Singh was humiliated. Is this how much they respect my father?" said Sukhu. After Singh's departure, Congress has 39 MLAs left while BJP has 26 MLAs in the 68-seat assembly. Watch | India: BJP's big win in Rajya Sabha; bags eight seats in Uttar Pradesh, one in HP & Karnataka × What did Sukhu say? After cross-voting resulted in Congress losing its advantage and senior leader Abhishek Singhvi conceding defeat, a dejected Sukhu blamed his party men for being sell-outs. "When someone has sold out their honesty. Nine cross-votings took place, three of them were Independent MLAs but six others sold their honesty...and voted against him (Abhishek Manu Singhvi)," said Sukhu. "There is a government and an opposition in a democracy but the kind of hooliganism ('gundagardi') being done by the opposition will never be accepted by the people of Himachal," he added. To arrest the slide in the state, Congress' upper hierarchy deployed senior leaders Bhupinder Singh Hooda and DK Shivakumar. Both have been appointed as observers to ensure that Congress does not lose power, mere months ahead of the general elections. Media reports on Wednesday claimed that Sukhu had tendered his resignation following the events of the last 24 hours. However, he came out with a statement saying he was a "warrior" and that Congress will complete its five-years term in office. (With inputs from agencies)

After Rajya Sabha steal, BJP gears up to vote out Congress govt in Himachal Pradesh

The ruling congress in the northern state of Himachal Pradesh is in damage control mode after an embarrassing defeat in the upper house polls on Tuesday. The party has been trying to avert a full-fledged political crisis. The central leadership has appointed observers to assess the situation. While the speaker of the assembly disqualified the cross-voting MLAs.

Six congress MLAs, who cross-voted in BJP’S favour disqualified

Six Congress MLAs who defected to support the BJP during the recent Rajya Sabha election have been disqualified from the Himachal Pradesh Assembly. Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania announced their disqualification on February 29, citing violations of the anti-defection law.

India: Six Congress lawmakers disqualified from Himachal Pradesh Assembly

Six Congress MLAs disqualified from Himachal Pradesh Assembly for cross-voting BJP

<p>Himachal Pradesh Assembly Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania on Thursday (Feb 29) disqualified six Congress MLAs that cross-voted during Tuesday's Rajya Sabha election to gift Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) the sole seat for the upper house of the Indian parliament from the northern state.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Six MLAs, who contested on Congress symbol, attracted provisions of anti-defection law against themselves. I declare that the six people cease to be members of the Himachal Pradesh Assembly with immediate effect," Singh&nbsp;announced.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Himachal Pradesh Assembly Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania says, "Six MLAs, who contested on Congress symbol, attracted provisions of anti-defection law against themselves...I declare that the six people cease to be members of the Himachal Pradesh Assembly with immediate… <a href="https://t.co/QQt92aM10v">pic.twitter.com/QQt92aM10v</a></p>
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<p>The disqualified MLAs are Chaitanya Sharma,&nbsp;Rajinder Rana,&nbsp;Davinder K Bhutto, Ravi Thakur, Sudhir Sharma and Indur Dutt Lakhanpal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The petition to disqualify the MLAs was filed by Congress leader and&nbsp;parliamentary affairs Minister Harsh Wardhan Chauhan under the anti-defection law.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With the six rebel MLAs disqualified, the strength of the house comes down from 68 to 62 and the halfway mark is 32. In this scenario, Congress has 34 MLAs in the assembly compared to BJP's 25 while three remain independent.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Political upheaval in the Himalayan state&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The development comes a day after 15 BJP MLAs,&nbsp;including Leader of the Opposition Jairam Thakur, was suspended by the speaker, for "misbehaving" with marshalls outside his office.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Thakur had met the Himachal Pradesh governor early on Wednesday (Feb 28) and sought a test of strength for the&nbsp;Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu-led government.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Thakur demanded&nbsp;a division of votes for passing the state budget instead of a voice vote. However, his request was not accepted as the assembly passed the budget for 2024-25 and related appropriation bill with a voice vote.&nbsp;</p>

<p>BJP had hoped if Congress failed to pass the budget, it would bring a no-confidence motion in the assembly to destabilise the government.&nbsp;The equations briefly stacked in its favour when&nbsp;MLA Vikramaditya Singh, son of former CM Virbhadra Singh, announced his resignation from the council of ministers, alleging the&nbsp;Sukhu-government had humiliated its own MLAs several times.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/himachal-pradesh-bjp-mlas-stage-walkout-amid-budget-proceedings-694861"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Himachal Pradesh: BJP MLAs stage walkout amid budget proceedings</strong></a></p>

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<p>Later in the night, Singh said he had withheld his resignation until&nbsp;Bhupinder Singh Hooda and DK Shivakumar - the two observers deployed by the Congress high command to defuse the situation, had submitted their report.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We have engaged with the observers, apprising them of the current situation. I will refrain from pressing my resignation until a decision is reached. The ultimate resolution will be determined in the near future," Singh said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/himachal-pradesh-political-crisis-vikramaditya-singh-takes-back-his-resignation-694886"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Himachal Pradesh political crisis: Minister Vikramaditya Singh withholds his resignation</strong></a></p>

<p>Notably, after cross-voting resulted in Congress losing its advantage and senior leader Abhishek Singhvi conceding defeat, a dejected Sukhu blamed his party men for being sell-outs.</p>

<p>There were rumours that Sukhu might tender his resignation as well, but he came out to refute the claims saying Congress will remain in power for the full five-year period.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Himachal Pradesh Assembly Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania on Thursday (Feb 29) disqualified six Congress MLAs that cross-voted during Tuesday's Rajya Sabha election to gift Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) the sole seat for the upper house of the Indian parliament from the northern state.

Himachal Pradesh Assembly Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania on Thursday (Feb 29) disqualified six Congress MLAs that cross-voted during Tuesday's Rajya Sabha election to gift Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) the sole seat for the upper house of the Indian parliament from the northern state. "Six MLAs, who contested on Congress symbol, attracted provisions of anti-defection law against themselves. I declare that the six people cease to be members of the Himachal Pradesh Assembly with immediate effect," Singh announced. #WATCH | Himachal Pradesh Assembly Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania says, "Six MLAs, who contested on Congress symbol, attracted provisions of anti-defection law against themselves...I declare that the six people cease to be members of the Himachal Pradesh Assembly with immediate… pic.twitter.com/QQt92aM10v — ANI (@ANI) February 29, 2024 × The disqualified MLAs are Chaitanya Sharma, Rajinder Rana, Davinder K Bhutto, Ravi Thakur, Sudhir Sharma and Indur Dutt Lakhanpal. The petition to disqualify the MLAs was filed by Congress leader and parliamentary affairs Minister Harsh Wardhan Chauhan under the anti-defection law. With the six rebel MLAs disqualified, the strength of the house comes down from 68 to 62 and the halfway mark is 32. In this scenario, Congress has 34 MLAs in the assembly compared to BJP's 25 while three remain independent. Political upheaval in the Himalayan state The development comes a day after 15 BJP MLAs, including Leader of the Opposition Jairam Thakur, was suspended by the speaker, for "misbehaving" with marshalls outside his office. Thakur had met the Himachal Pradesh governor early on Wednesday (Feb 28) and sought a test of strength for the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu-led government. Thakur demanded a division of votes for passing the state budget instead of a voice vote. However, his request was not accepted as the assembly passed the budget for 2024-25 and related appropriation bill with a voice vote. BJP had hoped if Congress failed to pass the budget, it would bring a no-confidence motion in the assembly to destabilise the government. The equations briefly stacked in its favour when MLA Vikramaditya Singh, son of former CM Virbhadra Singh, announced his resignation from the council of ministers, alleging the Sukhu-government had humiliated its own MLAs several times. Watch | Himachal Pradesh: BJP MLAs stage walkout amid budget proceedings × Later in the night, Singh said he had withheld his resignation until Bhupinder Singh Hooda and DK Shivakumar - the two observers deployed by the Congress high command to defuse the situation, had submitted their report. "We have engaged with the observers, apprising them of the current situation. I will refrain from pressing my resignation until a decision is reached. The ultimate resolution will be determined in the near future," Singh said. Also read | Himachal Pradesh political crisis: Minister Vikramaditya Singh withholds his resignation Notably, after cross-voting resulted in Congress losing its advantage and senior leader Abhishek Singhvi conceding defeat, a dejected Sukhu blamed his party men for being sell-outs. There were rumours that Sukhu might tender his resignation as well, but he came out to refute the claims saying Congress will remain in power for the full five-year period. (With inputs from agencies)

Himachal Pradesh political crisis: Speaker disqualifies 6 Congress MLAs who cross-voted for BJP

Heavy cross-voting by Congress and other opposition lawmakers dominated the biennial Rajya Sabha elections contest on Tuesday.

Cross-voting dominates Rajya Sabha polls

India's northern state of Himachal Pradesh witnessed fast-paced political developments. So much so that it was anticipated that the government of the Himalayan state may fall. All this came in the backdrop of Tuesday's upper house polls. This report takes through developments of the day.

Cross-voting in Rajya Sabha polls pushes state Govt into crisis

Amidst the ongoing political drama in the state capital Shimla, the Himachal Pradesh Assembly budget session came to an abrupt end as the budget was passed. Watch in for more details!

Himachal Pradesh: BJP MLAs stage walkout amid budget proceedings

India: Budget passed in Himachal Pradesh House, session adjourned indefinitely

The leader of opposition in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, Jai Ram Thakur claims that Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu from his post. CM Sukhu on other hand has come out against this. Watch in for more details!

India: Fate of Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu hangs in balance

Senior congress leader Anand Sharma, is reportedly upset by the Himachal Pradesh' seat being given to Abhishek Manu Singhvi. The stakes are high for the Rajya Sabha polls which are scheduled on the 27th of February.

Growing resentment in Himachal Congress ranks

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