Historic Junga Palace in Shimla Destroyed by Fire Linked to Political Legacy
Fire Engulfs Historic Junga Palace
S Gopal Puri
Shimla: The Junga Palace, a historic site over 200 years old located near Shimla, was severely damaged by a significant fire on Wednesday afternoon, January 7, 2025. This palace has strong ties to the family of former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh through his wife, Pratibha Singh, a prominent Congress leader and former MP from Mandi.
The palace, which symbolizes the royal and political heritage of Himachal Pradesh, was once the residence of the rulers of the Keonthal princely state, to which Pratibha Singh is connected.
Fortunately, there were no reported injuries as the palace has been unoccupied for several years. However, the incident has reignited interest in this historic structure and its significant association with one of the region's most influential political families.
A Glimpse into Royal Heritage
Constructed over two centuries ago by the Keonthal rulers, the Junga Palace is a testament to the region's royal history, showcasing a blend of traditional hill architecture and colonial influences. Pratibha Singh, born in 1956, is a descendant of the Keonthal royal lineage, making the palace a crucial part of her heritage.
Her political journey began after marrying Virbhadra Singh in 1985, who served as Chief Minister six times and was a prominent figure in both state and national politics for many years.
Investigation Underway Following Fire Incident
The fire reportedly started around 1 PM and quickly spread through the wooden sections of the palace. Local residents were the first to notice the flames and promptly informed the fire department while attempting to extinguish the fire themselves.
Firefighters deployed four fire tenders to the scene, and with the help of local villagers, they managed to control the blaze. A team from the district administration also arrived to assess the situation. Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the fire and evaluating the extent of the damage.
Pratibha Singh's Political Legacy
While the Junga Palace symbolizes her royal heritage, Pratibha Singh's identity has been significantly shaped by her political career. She entered the political arena in 2004, winning the Mandi Lok Sabha seat previously held by Virbhadra Singh. She later defeated BJP leader Jairam Thakur in subsequent elections and returned to Parliament in the 2021 bypoll following the passing of BJP MP Ram Swaroop Sharma.
As the outgoing president of the Himachal Pradesh Congress Committee, Pratibha Singh has been instrumental in the party's activities within the state. However, she recently announced her decision not to run in the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections.