Himachal Pradesh Government and BJP Clash Over Rally Venue in Dharamshala

Tensions are escalating in Himachal Pradesh as the BJP and Congress engage in a dispute over the venue for an upcoming rally in Dharamshala. The BJP seeks to hold its protest at Zorawar Stadium, while the government suggests a larger site due to capacity and security concerns. BJP leaders criticize the Congress government for its performance over the past three years, citing rising crime and unemployment. As both parties prepare for their respective events, the political landscape in the region remains charged with conflict and accusations.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 2, 2025, 13:55 IST

Tensions Rise Over Dharamshala Rally Venue

Sunil Chadha
Dharamshala: As the December 4 rally approaches, tensions are escalating between the ruling Congress party and the opposition BJP in Himachal Pradesh, primarily over the choice of venue.

The BJP has requested permission to conduct its state-level protest at Zorawar Stadium in Dharamshala, which is located just a short distance from the Tapovan Vidhan Sabha complex, where the winter session is currently taking place. However, the government appears reluctant to permit the event at this location, citing concerns regarding capacity, security, and traffic. Instead, they have suggested that the BJP relocate the rally to the larger Police Ground, situated approximately 4 kilometers away.

Officials have indicated that Zorawar Stadium has a maximum capacity of 4,000 attendees, while the Police Ground does not have such restrictions. The Kangra district administration has also raised issues regarding significant VIP movement around the Assembly during the ongoing session and referred to previous traffic disruptions caused by a large protest held at Zorawar Stadium by the Swaran Samaj Sangathan during the last BJP administration.

Despite these concerns, the BJP claims that the government is intentionally obstructing their protest, which aims to draw attention to what they describe as 'three years of Congress misrule.'

BJP Criticizes Government's Performance

BJP accuses govt of ‘attempting to hide’ public anger

During a press conference in Una, BJP state president Dr. Rajeev Bindal criticized the Congress government, which will mark three years in power on December 11, for lacking any significant achievements. He described the period as one of 'total administrative collapse,' characterized by increasing crime rates, unemployment, rising debt, and a decline in education and healthcare services.

Bindal pointed to a rise in theft, extortion, and violence across various districts, asserting that the law-and-order situation has deteriorated. He accused the government of accumulating substantial loans without benefiting the public and of eliminating nearly 150,000 government positions, leaving many young people feeling 'betrayed and jobless.'

On the education front, he criticized the introduction of English-medium instruction up to Class V without adequate teacher training, the weakening of the School Education Board, and the closure of around 2,000 schools. Bindal also highlighted a significant decline in healthcare, citing stalled Ayushman benefits, the near-closure of Himcare, and medicine shortages in hospitals.

Congress Plans Event Amid BJP's Rally Preparations

Congress prepares Mandi event as BJP readies Dharamshala show of strength

Bindal questioned the Congress party's decision to hold an event in Mandi on December 11, initially intended as a celebration but now rebranded as a 'rehabilitation programme,' especially when many disaster-affected residents are still living in temporary shelters. He labeled the government's approach as 'insensitive' and asserted that the BJP's December 4 protest would serve as a reflection of the government's failures.

He reiterated allegations of nepotism, a 'friends’ government,' and a lack of transparency, accusing the Congress of misleading the public with promises such as monthly allowances of Rs 1,500 for women and guaranteed permanent employment. Bindal challenged Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu to call for fresh elections if he believes the BJP is divided.