In a sudden move ahead of Assembly polls later this year, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbharda Singh today announced Dharamsala would be the second capital of the tiny hill state with a population of about 70 lakhs.
The chief minister, who was on a visit to lower hills of Himachal Pradesh, said in Dharamsala, “Dharamsala nestling in the lap of majestic snow-clad Dhauladhar ranges has a significance and history of its own and fully deserved to be the second capital of the state.”
Why has it been done?
The announcement is significant as 25 out of 68 Assembly seats fall in Kangra, Una and Hamirpur districts. Dharamsala was important for lower areas of Himachal Pradesh including Kangra, Chamba, Hamirpur and Una districts.
The people of these areas are expected to benefit from the decision.
The chief minister has said that this would spare locals the journey to Shimla for administrative work.
Many in the region have already welcomed the move.
Why Dharamsala matters
Dharamsala already figured prominently in national and international map due to its significance owing to many reasons including religious, natural and adventurous tourism and also being abode of Tibetan Spiritual head Dalai Lama.