Kangra District Faces Criticism Over Development and Winter Carnival Controversy
Kangra's Decline in Development Rankings
In a recent statement, Trilok Kapoor, a senior spokesperson for the BJP in Himachal Pradesh, accused the Congress-led state government of neglecting Kangra district, leading to its current plight. His comments were made following the release of the Himachal Pradesh Human Development Report 2025, presented by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on October 27 in Shimla.
The report, created by the Department of Environment, Science, Technology and Climate Change in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), is titled 'Building the Future in a Climate-Impacted World' and reveals significant developmental disparities among the districts.
Kangra's Low Human Development Index
Kapoor highlighted that Kangra has dropped to the lowest position among the 12 districts, with a Human Development Index (HDI) score of 0.695. In comparison, districts like Solan (0.880) and Lahaul-Spiti have made notable advancements. He claimed, 'This clearly indicates that Kangra has been intentionally kept underdeveloped during Congress's governance.'
Concerns Over the Winter Carnival
Criticizing the ongoing Kangra Winter Carnival 2025 in Dharamshala, Kapoor stated, 'While the government acknowledges Kangra's economic and developmental weaknesses, it continues to host festivals that mislead the public. This carnival does not represent progress; rather, it mocks the struggles of Kangra.'
Allegations of Financial Pressure on Local Traders
Kapoor further alleged that local traders and shopkeepers are being coerced into financially supporting the carnival. He remarked, 'As incomes dwindle and resources become scarce, the Congress government is draining local businesses. This is akin to adding insult to injury for the people of Kangra.'
Claims of Political Neglect
He asserted that despite Kangra's strong support for Congress, the district has only experienced neglect. Major development initiatives have been stalled, and government resources are reportedly being used to intimidate opposition members and ordinary citizens. Kapoor noted that following the devastating floods of 2025, the government failed to provide sufficient relief, instead prioritizing events like the Winter Carnival.
A Warning to the Congress Government
Kapoor concluded with a stern message, stating, 'The resilient people of Kangra are observing the Congress government's duplicitous and discriminatory behavior. The district that played a crucial role in forming the government has been relegated to the bottom of the development index. The citizens will not forget this betrayal.'