The Kangra district administration has recommended action against three newly elected BJP councillors of the Dharamsala Municipal Corporation over allegations of encroachment on government land, escalating tensions ahead of the mayoral election. The recommendation, forwarded by Kangra Deputy Commissioner Hemraj Bairwa to the Director of the Urban Development Department, seeks disqualification under Section 8(1)(l) of the Himachal Pradesh Municipal Corporation Act, 1994, which bars elected representatives or their legal heirs from benefiting from encroachment on government land.
Inquiry Report Details Encroachments by Three Councillors
An inquiry committee headed by the Dharamsala Sub-Divisional Magistrate investigated complaints filed after the municipal elections. The report identified three cases of encroachment. Shamsher Singh Nehria, councillor from Bhagsunag (Ward No. 2), was found to have encroached upon forest land for a parking space near his hotel. Praveen Kumar, councillor from Khaniara (Ward No. 15), was implicated as a legal heir benefiting from a house illegally constructed on government land by his grandfather; the report also notes he failed to disclose material information in his election affidavit. Vishal Jamwal, councillor from Sidhpur (Ward No. 17), was linked to a commercial shop built on government land with an electricity connection in his name since 2003, which was transferred to another person on April 16, 2026, during the election period, allegedly to distance himself from the property.
Mayoral Election Postponed After Congress Walkout
The mayoral election, initially scheduled during the MC’s first meeting on June 29, could not be held after Congress councillors walked out immediately after taking the oath, resulting in a lack of quorum. The election has been rescheduled to July 1. The development comes amid political rivalry, with the BJP accusing the state government of using pressure tactics to influence the election.
Political Reactions and Allegations
Dharamsala BJP MLA Sudhir Sharma termed the report politically motivated, alleging that the state government was using pressure tactics to influence the mayoral election. He claimed the complaints were filed only after the election results and that village revenue officials’ reports had not established any encroachment by the BJP councillors. Sharma further alleged that three Congress councillors, including a former mayor, were also under scrutiny for encroachment and that violations against them had been confirmed, but no comparable action had been taken.
However, Deputy Commissioner Hemraj Bairwa stated that the administration received complaints only against the three councillors and that an inquiry would be initiated if complaints are filed against others. “The inquiry established instances of encroachment that amount to a violation of the provisions of the Municipal Corporation Act. The administration has recommended appropriate action under Section 8(l),” Bairwa said.
Legal Implications Under HP MC Act
Section 8(1)(l) of the Himachal Pradesh Municipal Corporation Act, 1994, allows disqualification of an elected representative or a legal heir benefiting from encroachment on government land from holding office. The recommendation now rests with the Urban Development Department, which will decide on further action. The three councillors face potential disqualification if the department upholds the recommendation, which could alter the political composition of the Dharamsala MC.
