Principal Advisor (Media) to the Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister, Naresh Chauhan, accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of overstating its performance in the recent local body and panchayat elections. Chauhan stated that feedback from the Congress indicated a significant number of party-supported candidates winning across the state, contrary to the BJP’s claims.
Chauhan expressed confidence that Congress-backed candidates would also succeed in the upcoming Panchayat Samiti and Zila Parishad elections, citing strong voter support for the party. He highlighted the state’s tourism sector’s recovery following setbacks from natural disasters in 2023 and 2025, with increasing tourist footfall in popular destinations like Shimla, Manali, and Dharamsala.
Regarding tourism initiatives, Chauhan praised Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu’s efforts to boost tourism in Kangra, designated as the state’s tourism capital. He mentioned ongoing projects such as the expansion of Kangra airport and the development of helipads across Himachal Pradesh to attract high-end tourists and enhance local livelihoods.
Chauhan also noted key reforms in the Home Stay Policy aimed at creating self-employment opportunities, particularly for rural youth. These measures are expected to strengthen the rural economy and make tourism a leading pillar of Himachal Pradesh’s economy. Additionally, efforts to revive border trade with Tibet through the Shipki-La route are underway to stimulate economic activity in border areas.
