News / Author / Gaurav Bisht

Gaurav Bisht

Gaurav Bisht heads Hindustan Times’ Himachal bureau. He covers politics in the hill state and other issues concerning the masses.

Articles by Gaurav Bisht

After boycott threat, poll officials meet voters at India’s highest polling station in Himachal

Villagers in Himachal’s Tashigang, who have posted 100% voting in the last two elections, are miffed over being terminated as daily wagers with the public works department

Residents during a meeting with poll officials in Tashigang, Himachal Pradesh. (HT Photo)

Chandigarh

Updated on Apr 20, 2024 06:42 AM IST

ByGaurav Bisht, Shimla

War of words between Vikramaditya and Kangana escalates

Vikramaditya further said that Kangana was a debutant and people didn’t even recognise her face.

“Their campaign seems like a tourist visit. The tourists wear the regional attire, get their pictures clicked and leave,” said Vikramaditya adding that it will be the people of Mandi who will decide the fate of candidates (HT Photo)

Chandigarh

Updated on Apr 19, 2024 01:36 AM IST

ByGaurav Bisht, Shimla

Himachal’s cancer cases shot up 800% in 10 years

Experts attribute the increase to improved diagnostic facilities and more awareness even in remote areas

Cancer cases in Himachal shot up from 2,149 in 2013 to an alarming 17,212 in 2022. (HT File)

Chandigarh

Updated on Apr 18, 2024 07:54 AM IST

ByGaurav Bisht, Shimla

Spiti Valley: Will highest booth, with 52 voters, go from 100% to nil?

The polling station, 29km from the China border, covers two villages of Tashigang and Gete and was set up in 2019 when it had 48 voters

Tashigang village in Spiti Valley. (HT PHOTO)

India News

Updated on Apr 18, 2024 06:08 AM IST

ByGaurav Bisht, Shimla

Voters at highest polling station in Himachal threaten boycott

Tashigang polling station in Mandi Lok Sabha constituency has 52 voters, they cite lack of employment in border village for decision

Voters standing in queue for their turn to cast their votes in the Himachal Pradesh assembly elections at the country’s highest polling station of Tashigang in Lahaul and Spiti district on November 12, 2022. (HT file photo)

Chandigarh

Published on Apr 17, 2024 03:58 PM IST

ByGaurav Bisht

Will not let BJP distract us from Himachal’s real issues, says Vikramaditya Singh

Congress’ Vikramaditya Singh said he would campaign with positivity and will tour all the regions of Himachal

Congress Lok Sabha candidate from Himachal’s Mandi, Vikramaditya Singh. (HT File)

Chandigarh

Updated on Apr 17, 2024 06:36 AM IST

ByGaurav Bisht, Shimla

Congress should clarify where Centre’s disaster aid was spent: Kangana

While campaigning for Kangra Lok Sabha candidate Rajeev Bharadwaj and assembly by-election candidate Sudhir Sharma in Dharamshala, she highlighted the schemes of Centre government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi

BJP candidate from Mandi Kangana Ranaut meets the Dalai Lama at Dharamshala on Monday (HT Photo)

Chandigarh

Updated on Apr 16, 2024 07:16 AM IST

ByGaurav Bisht, Shimla

It’s official: Vikramaditya to take on Kangana on Mandi LS seat

The party’s central election committee met on Friday in New Delhi with Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge as the chairperson to deicide on the four candidates

On expected lines, the Congress fielded public works minister Vikramaditya Singh from the Mandi seat (HT File)

Chandigarh

Updated on Apr 14, 2024 06:56 AM IST

ByGaurav Bisht, Shimla

HP Congress ‘mulls taking back 2022 rebels’

“We have received few applications from the leaders who rebelled against the official candidate in the 2022 assembly elections,” said Viplove Thaku

However, the leaders who were the official nominees of the Congress in the 2022 assembly elections and rebellion are reportedly averse to the entry of rebels (HT File)

Chandigarh

Updated on Apr 14, 2024 06:54 AM IST

ByGaurav Bisht, Shimla

Young ‘King’ vs reel ‘Queen’ on Mandi Lok Sabha seat

The Mandi Lok Sabha seat in Himachal Pradesh has a history of voting for candidates belonging to “royal” bloodlines

In the 2024 edition of the Lok Sabha polls, royal scion on the erstwhile Rampur Bushahr princely state Vikramaditya Singh will take on Bollywood “Queen” Kangana Ranaut (HT File)

Chandigarh

Updated on Apr 14, 2024 06:50 AM IST

ByGaurav Bisht, Mandi

174-year-old Rashtrapati Niwas is biggest tourist draw in Shimla

Rashtrapati Niwas, located on the outskirts of state capital Shimla has emerged as a major tourist attraction since being thrown open to the public last April

Thus far, more than 50,000 people have visited the complex, with footfall peaking at 650 people on April 7. (Wikimedia Commons)

India News

Updated on Apr 13, 2024 07:50 AM IST

ByGaurav Bisht, Shimla

Congress poll panel meet to finalise HP candidates on April 13

The party’s screening committee has shortlisted the candidates for four Lok Sabha seats – Shimla, Mandi, Hamirpur and Kangra – as well as the six assembly seats – Dharamshala, Gagret, Sujanpur, Lahaul and Spiti, Badsar, and Kutlehar – where by-polls were necessitated after sitting Congress legislators were disqualified under anti-defection law for defying the whip

The names of candidates for the by-elections may be announced after the central election committee meeting set to be held under the chairpersonship of the Congress’ national president Mallikarjun Kharge. (HT File)

Chandigarh

Updated on Apr 13, 2024 05:48 AM IST

ByGaurav Bisht, Shimla

Shimla’s Rashtrapati Niwas biggest tourist draw

The 174-year-old building, built largely in the English style, has an orchard and sprawling green lawns and was opened to the public by President Droupadi Murmu during her visit to Shimla last year

Thus far, more than 50,000 people have visited the complex, with footfall peaking at 650 people on April 7. (HT File Photo)

Chandigarh

Updated on Apr 13, 2024 05:40 AM IST

ByGaurav Bisht, Shimla

Kangana mocks at Congress infighting attacks Vikramaditya again

Kangana had organised ‘dham’ at Simsa village in Manali and had invited villagers from five nearby villages

Actor Kangana Ranaut, BJP candidate from Mandi Lok Sabha seat during an election campaign event ahead of Lok Sabha Polls in Kullu on Friday. (Aqil Khan /HT)

Chandigarh

Updated on Apr 13, 2024 05:12 AM IST

ByGaurav Bisht, Shimla

Fought dynasties in Bollywood, will do it in HP: Kangana

Retaliating to Kangana’s remarks, the Vikramaditya said that no Himachal politician has ever used a language she is using

Chandigarh

Updated on Apr 12, 2024 07:46 AM IST

ByGaurav Bisht, Shimla

Insecticide poisoning behind deaths of 3 leopards: Autopsy

Initially, it was believed that poachers used the poison to kill the leopards and police had registered a case under section 429 (mischief by killing or maiming cattle) of the Indian Penal Code and the Wildlife Act at the Rampur Bushar police station

On March 8, a two-year-old leopard and two cubs were found dead in an orchard in Janguni village in Shimla. (AFP)

Chandigarh

Updated on Apr 12, 2024 07:38 AM IST

ByGaurav Bisht, Shimla

Climate change impacts apple blooming in Himachal

The delay in blooming is likely to impact the apple production. The apple harvest, which usually commences in the last week of June, is likely to start in the second week of July. Apple trees in the lower elevations at the height of 5,000 feet above sea level fully bloom by mid-April. “Trees are at the stage of pink bud,” said Rahul Singh, an apple grower in Theog.

Climate change has adversely impacted the temperate fruits growing in Himachal Pradesh, particularly apples. The changing weather pattern, excessive rains last year and scanty snowfall have delayed the apple blooming by at least three weeks this year as compared to the past two years. (HT Photo)

Chandigarh

Updated on Apr 11, 2024 05:00 AM IST

ByGaurav Bisht, Shimla

‘Queen of controversies’: Vikramaditya hits out at Kangana

Himachal Pradesh public works minister Vikramaditya Singh also attacked leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur for his remarks against him

Himachal Pradesh public works minister Vikramaditya Singh (HT File)

Chandigarh

Published on Apr 08, 2024 10:53 PM IST

ByGaurav Bisht, Shimla

Back from Delhi, Sukhu, Pratibha put up united face

State Congress chief and outgoing Mandi MP hints Vikramaditya could take on BJP’s Kangana Ranaut in high-stake battle; list expected on April 13

Central Congress leaders, including Sonia Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, met CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, state chief Pratibha Singh and deputy CM Mukesh Agnihotri on Sunday (HT File)

Chandigarh

Published on Apr 08, 2024 10:45 PM IST

ByGaurav Bisht, Shimla

To woo investors, Himachal govt set to host biz conclave in Chandigarh

The tourism department has extended an invitation to at least 25 hospitality firms to invest in Himachal Pradesh

Chandigarh

Updated on Apr 07, 2024 05:24 AM IST

ByGaurav Bisht, Shimla

A green booth each to be set up in all 12 Himachal districts

“We have issued instructions to deputy commissioners concerned to set up at least one green polling booth in each district,” said chief electoral officer Manish Garg

These green polling stations will be decorated with bamboo twigs and leaves, and will exhibit local art and culture. (HT File)

Chandigarh

Updated on Apr 04, 2024 06:42 AM IST

ByGaurav Bisht, Shimla

Despite EC directive, 41% licence-holders deposit weapons in Himachal

According to recent data, only approximately 41.2% of registered firearms have been submitted either at police stations or firearms shops. The statistics reveal that there are a total of 1,00,403 registered weapons across the 12 districts of the state of which 190 are exempted from the ECI directives.

Ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, gun licence holders in Himachal are reluctant to deposit their weapons, despite directives from the Election Commission of India and the local authorities. (HT File)

Chandigarh

Updated on Apr 03, 2024 07:10 AM IST

ByGaurav Bisht, Shimla

Jai Ram placates ‘sulking’ BJP leaders in Mandi

“The BJP is a big family and one can have reservations, but every one will work together to strengthen the party and Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” said Jai Ram

Chandigarh

Published on Apr 01, 2024 10:57 PM IST

ByGaurav Bisht, Shimla

Congress rebel Rana meets his political mentor Dhumal

Rana, who was disqualified as the MLA from Sujanpur, will has been given the byelection ticket by the BJP along with the five other Congress rebels

Rajinder Rana (right) calls on former Himachal chief minister Prem Kumar Dhumal in Samirpur on Friday. (HT Photo)

Chandigarh

Updated on Mar 30, 2024 06:38 AM IST

ByGaurav Bisht, Shimla

Himachal guv urges speaker to accept resignation of 3 Independent MLAs

The three legislators — Ashish Sharma, Hoshiyar Singh, and KL Thakur— resigned from the state assembly on March 22, but the speaker is yet to accept it

India News

Updated on Mar 29, 2024 07:56 AM IST

ByGaurav Bisht, Shimla

Accept resignations of 3 Independent MLAs: HP governor to speaker

Shukla clarified that while Raj Bhawan does not possess authority in the matter, and he acted as a conduit, submitting the letters of the three independent legislators to speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania

Himachal governor Shiv Pratap Shukla (HT File)

Chandigarh

Updated on Mar 28, 2024 10:43 PM IST

ByGaurav Bisht, Shimla

BJP holds rallies in all 6 assembly segments going to bypolls in Himachal

Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur said that the chief minister was responsible for the political situation in Himachal Pradesh

Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur addresses the welcome ceremony of the BJP leader Krishan Lal Thakur in Nalagarh on Thursday. (ANI)

Chandigarh

Published on Mar 28, 2024 10:20 PM IST

ByGaurav Bisht, Dar Ovais, Shimla/dharamshala

‘Will abide by party’s decision’: Pratibha’s U-turn on contesting Lok Sabha polls

The decision comes after a meeting of the six-member co-ordinaiton committee constituted by the Congress to chalk out a strategy for the Lok sabha elections

Chandigarh

Published on Mar 28, 2024 10:17 PM IST

ByGaurav Bisht, Shimla

BJP fields 6 Congress rebels for Himachal Pradesh bypolls

In an official statement, the BJP announced their candidacy for the seats they held before their disqualification.

The six disqualified legislators in Himachal Pradesh joined the BJP on Saturday. (ANI file)

India News

Updated on Mar 27, 2024 08:20 AM IST

ByGaurav Bisht, Shimla

BJP fields 6 Cong rebels in Himachal assembly bypolls

Sudhir Sharma has been nominated from Dharamshala, Ravi Thakur from Lahaul and Spiti, Rajinder Rana from Sujanpur, Inder Dutt Lakhanpal from Barsar, Chetanya Sharma from Gagret and Devinder Kumar Bhutto from Kutlehar.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday named six former Congress MLAs, disqualified from the House, as its candidates for the Himachal Pradesh Assembly bypolls. (Representational image)

Chandigarh

Updated on Mar 27, 2024 07:58 AM IST

ByGaurav Bisht, Shimla/ Dharamshala

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Gaurav Bisht

Gaurav Bisht heads Hindustan Times’ Himachal bureau. He covers politics in the hill state and other issues concerning the masses.

Villagers in Himachal’s Tashigang, who have posted 100% voting in the last two elections, are miffed over being terminated as daily wagers with the public works department

Vikramaditya further said that Kangana was a debutant and people didn’t even recognise her face.

Experts attribute the increase to improved diagnostic facilities and more awareness even in remote areas

The polling station, 29km from the China border, covers two villages of Tashigang and Gete and was set up in 2019 when it had 48 voters

Tashigang polling station in Mandi Lok Sabha constituency has 52 voters, they cite lack of employment in border village for decision

Congress’ Vikramaditya Singh said he would campaign with positivity and will tour all the regions of Himachal

While campaigning for Kangra Lok Sabha candidate Rajeev Bharadwaj and assembly by-election candidate Sudhir Sharma in Dharamshala, she highlighted the schemes of Centre government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi

The party’s central election committee met on Friday in New Delhi with Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge as the chairperson to deicide on the four candidates

“We have received few applications from the leaders who rebelled against the official candidate in the 2022 assembly elections,” said Viplove Thaku

The Mandi Lok Sabha seat in Himachal Pradesh has a history of voting for candidates belonging to “royal” bloodlines

Rashtrapati Niwas, located on the outskirts of state capital Shimla has emerged as a major tourist attraction since being thrown open to the public last April

The 174-year-old building, built largely in the English style, has an orchard and sprawling green lawns and was opened to the public by President Droupadi Murmu during her visit to Shimla last year

Kangana had organised ‘dham’ at Simsa village in Manali and had invited villagers from five nearby villages

Retaliating to Kangana’s remarks, the Vikramaditya said that no Himachal politician has ever used a language she is using

Initially, it was believed that poachers used the poison to kill the leopards and police had registered a case under section 429 (mischief by killing or maiming cattle) of the Indian Penal Code and the Wildlife Act at the Rampur Bushar police station

Himachal Pradesh public works minister Vikramaditya Singh also attacked leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur for his remarks against him

State Congress chief and outgoing Mandi MP hints Vikramaditya could take on BJP’s Kangana Ranaut in high-stake battle; list expected on April 13

The tourism department has extended an invitation to at least 25 hospitality firms to invest in Himachal Pradesh

“We have issued instructions to deputy commissioners concerned to set up at least one green polling booth in each district,” said chief electoral officer Manish Garg

“The BJP is a big family and one can have reservations, but every one will work together to strengthen the party and Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” said Jai Ram

Rana, who was disqualified as the MLA from Sujanpur, will has been given the byelection ticket by the BJP along with the five other Congress rebels

The three legislators — Ashish Sharma, Hoshiyar Singh, and KL Thakur— resigned from the state assembly on March 22, but the speaker is yet to accept it

Shukla clarified that while Raj Bhawan does not possess authority in the matter, and he acted as a conduit, submitting the letters of the three independent legislators to speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania

Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur said that the chief minister was responsible for the political situation in Himachal Pradesh

The decision comes after a meeting of the six-member co-ordinaiton committee constituted by the Congress to chalk out a strategy for the Lok sabha elections

In an official statement, the BJP announced their candidacy for the seats they held before their disqualification.

Sudhir Sharma has been nominated from Dharamshala, Ravi Thakur from Lahaul and Spiti, Rajinder Rana from Sujanpur, Inder Dutt Lakhanpal from Barsar, Chetanya Sharma from Gagret and Devinder Kumar Bhutto from Kutlehar.

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