Key Points

"The BJP makes a big deal out of everything. It has become the BJP's policy to oppose everything. They only want to divert attention. When the disaster struck in 2023, the BJP was demanding that the assembly session be held. Due to the disaster, the session was delayed... At that time, we discussed the disaster, but during the discussion on the 2023-24 disaster, the BJP walked out of the House... This time, the disaster is even bigger than 2023... We have spoken to all Deputy Commissioners, who said that they have not yet succeeded in connecting the roads to the panchayats," he said.

He attributed the delay to the ongoing disaster in the state, which he said is more severe than the 2023 calamity. Sukhu noted that Deputy Commissioners reported difficulties in restoring road connectivity to panchayats, hampering election preparations.

"The disaster relief work was being affected due to the Panchayat elections, so it was decided that as soon as the roads are restored, we will conduct the Panchayat elections... After the rains stop, our first duty and responsibility is to provide relief to the disaster-affected people... Elections will definitely take place. As soon as the roads to all panchayats are restored, the elections will be held," he added.

On October 9, the Himachal Pradesh government wrote to the State Election Commission seeking the postponement of the upcoming Panchayat and local body elections, citing the huge damage due to the monsoon and the restoration process.

Originally due in December 2025 and January 2026. The government has invoked powers under the Disaster Management Act, 2005, to justify the move, pointing to extensive damage to infrastructure, roads, and private property across several districts.

In an order issued by Chief Secretary-cum-Chairman of the State Executive Committee, Sanjay Gupta, under Section 24(e) of the Disaster Management Act, the government stated:

"Keeping in view the adverse situation of the damaged roads and public and private property, in exercise of the powers conferred on me under sub-section (e) of Section 24 of the Act ibid, I order that elections to the Panchayati Raj Institutions will be held only after restoration of proper connectivity throughout the State so that no inconvenience is caused to the general public as well as the polling personnel, and further no voter loses his right to vote because of road connectivity issues."

The order notes that Monsoon 2025, which was active since June 19, caused large-scale devastation in Himachal Pradesh, including 47 cloudbursts, 98 flash floods, and 148 major landslides, resulting in 270 deaths, as well as 198 fatalities in road accidents.

A total of 1,817 houses were fully damaged and 8,323 partially damaged, with estimated losses amounting to ₹5,426 crore, the government said.

The Chief Secretary highlighted that the extensive damage to roads and bridges has made it impossible to ensure safe access to polling stations.

"The state has suffered large-scale destruction, and in many areas, roads and bridges have been washed away. In such a situation, how will polling teams and voters reach the polling stations? The state is already seeing the early onset of winter," Gupta said, adding that the government has written to the Commission to defer elections "till things improve on the ground."

Deputy Commissioners of Mandi, Kangra, Hamirpur, and Shimla have also written to the Secretary, Panchayati Raj, recommending the postponement of elections under the Disaster Management Act, citing safety concerns for voters, polling personnel, and the transportation of election material. They reported that district administrations are preoccupied with ongoing relief and rehabilitation work and that road restoration in rural areas remains incomplete.

Despite the government's recommendation, the State Election would review the basis of the government's request before making a final decision.

The Panchayat and municipal elections, covering over 3,000 Panchayats and 71 municipal bodies, are traditionally held in December and January, a period often marked by heavy snowfall and cold wave conditions.

- ANI