Three Dharamshala BJP Councillors Face Disqualification Over Alleged Encroachment

Dharamsala, June 30, 2026: The membership of three newly elected councillors of the Dharamsala Municipal Corporation has come under threat following allegations of illegal occupation and encroachment on government land. Taking cognizance of the complaints, the Kangra Deputy Commissioner has recommended action to the Himachal Pradesh Government by forwarding the findings to the Director, Urban Development Department.
The development could have major political implications. All three councillors belong to the BJP, which currently holds 11 seats in the 17-member Municipal Corporation. If all three are disqualified, the party's strength will be reduced to eight, bringing it below the majority mark.
The recommendation has been made under Section 8(L) of the Himachal Pradesh Municipal Corporation Act, 1994, which provides for the immediate disqualification of an elected representative or a legal heir who is found to have encroached upon government land.
Following the complaints, the district administration constituted an inquiry committee headed by the SDM, Dharamshala. The committee has submitted its report, detailing the following findings:
Ward No. 2 – Bhagsunag
Councillor: Shamsher Singh Neharia
Complainant: Chuni Lal, resident of Nallah, Meetha Bhagsunag
The inquiry found that a parking area had allegedly been created by constructing a concrete slab over government forest land recorded as Gair Mumkin Nallah (uncultivable ravine) near Hotel Morenic Hill. Statements recorded during the inquiry reportedly indicate that the construction was carried out by Councillor Shamsher Singh Neharia and his brother, Vishal Singh.
Ward No. 15 – Khaniyara
Councillor: Parveen Kumar
Complainant: Rakesh Kumar, resident of Ward No. 15, Khaniyara
The complaint alleges that the councillor concealed material information in his election affidavit. According to the Revenue Department's report, Parveen Kumar's grandfather, Roshan Lal, had allegedly constructed a house on government land. As the legal heir and beneficiary of the property, the inquiry has held that the councillor falls within the ambit of the relevant disqualification provisions.
Ward No. 17 – Sidhpur
Councillor: Vishal Jamwal
Complainant: Suresh Kumar, resident of Sidhpur
The inquiry revealed that an electricity connection for a shop allegedly built on government land had remained in the name of Councillor Vishal Jamwal since 2003. During the election period, the electricity meter was reportedly transferred to another person's name on April 16, 2026. However, the investigation concluded that the councillor continued to be the actual owner and beneficiary of the property. Proceedings for eviction under Section 163 have also been initiated before the competent court.
The matter is now before the state government.