Step inside Dharampur’s most heated political battles with Congress MLA Chander Shekhar in this explosive episode of “Inside Himachal – Politics & Culture” with Ajay K Saklanni. From scripting history by winning Dharampur in 2022, to questioning the condition of the local bus stand and the widening of the Dharampur–Sandhol road, nothing is off-limits.​​

We dive deep into his fast-unto-death over the delayed and “unscientific” work on NH‑003, damaged houses, and his face-off with NHAI and MoRTH officials. The conversation also covers crucial rural road links like the Janitri Mata temple road, Shivdwala–Baroti via Riyur–Didnu, and the Kandhapatan–Kounsal–Paihad–Jathehri stretch that locals depend on every day.​

For the first time at length, MLA Chander Shekhar responds to allegations of timber smuggling and corruption – are these genuine charges or political hit jobs? If you care about Himachal’s ground realities, road projects, people’s movements and the politics shaping Dharampur’s future, this is a must-listen episode.

Welcome to the 2nd episode of Inside Himachal – Politics & Culture with Ajay K Saklanni. This episode features Ashish Sharma, the young and dynamic MLA from Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh. Ashish looks back at three years of his journey as a first-time legislator – from contesting as an independent candidate, becoming an independent MLA who initially supported the Congress government, to later joining the BJP and winning the 2024 by-election from Hamirpur on a BJP ticket.In this in-depth conversation, he talks about the kind of development Himachal needs, gaps and failures he sees in the present Congress government, and why he felt compelled to switch sides. Ashish addresses the legal cases filed against him and his family, which he alleges are politically motivated, and explains how these battles have shaped his politics. He also shares his vision for boosting art, culture and tourism in Himachal, and reflects on how his engineering profession and political family background have influenced his thinking as a public representative.If you want to understand the new generation of Himachal politics, power equations in Hamirpur, and the personal story behind Ashish Sharma’s rise, watch this episode till the end.

(00:56) Introduction

(02:16) Breaking Record

(03:12) Beginning in Politics

(04:53) Story behind Independent Contesting

(06:44) Aam Aadmi Party Invitation

(07:23) Joining BJP and By-Elections

(09:12) Role of Hamirpur in 2027 Himachal Elections

(10:34) Internal Conflict in BJP Himachal

(11:42) Three Years's Experience

(13:05) Difference between Independent MLA vs Party Member

(15:02) Problems as an opposition MLA

(17:12) Work of BJP govt in Himachal during 2017-22

(18:45) BJP's 2027 CM face in Himachal

(19:25) Vision for Himachal as a Young Leader

(21:59) Thoughts on Manimahesh Yatra & Kinner Kailash Yatra

(23:42) Vision for Art, Culture and Performing Art in Himachal

(26:13) Message to the People of Himachal Pradesh

In this in-depth episode of 'Inside Himachal: Politics & Culture with Ajay K Saklanni', Himachal Pradesh Revenue, Horticulture & Tribal Development Minister Jagat Singh Negi joins Ajay K Saklanni for a candid conversation on the real state of Himachal politics and development. From roads and horticulture projects to the apple economy, tribal development and key government schemes, Negi explains how policy decisions are impacting people on the ground in Kinnaur, Lahaul-Spiti and across the state.​

The discussion dives deep into disaster management in Himachal – floods, landslides, relief challenges and rebuilding – and why Negi believes there have been delays and gaps in support from the Modi government. He also speaks openly about the political rivalry and sharp exchanges between him and former Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur, attacks inside the assembly, allegations, counter-allegations and the tone of current Himachal politics.​

This podcast also explores the tough questions raised during the Dharamshala winter session of the Vidhan Sabha, including panchayat elections, paper leak law, opposition protests, walkouts and the wider debate on governance and accountability. Negi reacts to Kangana Ranaut’s statements and perceived inaction during the Mandi disasters, offering his perspective on celebrity politics versus ground reality.​

A major segment is dedicated to Pong Dam rehabilitation and resettlement, the rights of displaced families, and how long-pending issues around compensation and rehabilitation are shaping public anger. Negi also shares his views on OBC reservation in Himachal, reservation politics, SC/ST/OBC representation in power structures and what a fair development model for tribal and backward areas should look like.​

If you want to understand contemporary Himachal Pradesh – Jagat Singh Negi’s journey, the Jai Ram Thakur vs Congress battle, disaster management challenges, reservation debates and the future of tribal development – this long-form political interview is a must-listen.

(00:00) Introduction

(00:43) Why is everyone talking about Jagat Singh Negi?

(01:58) Allegations on Nagi's Language in Vidhan Sabha

(07:58) OBC Reservation in Himachal Pradesh

(08:57) Vinay New Congress President & OBC Connection

(10:43) BJP vs Congress on Loan Politics in Himachal

(14:52) OPS in Himachal and Pensioner's Protest

(17:10) Pong Dam Rehabilitation Issue in Himachal Pradesh

(19:58) Development of Tribals & Tribal Region in Himachal Pradesh

(27:22) The Problems Independent MLA & Opposition MLA Face for Development Work

(30:50) Negi's Remarks on Kangana Ranaut's statement during Mandi Disaster

(33:10) Bharmour (Chamba) Disaster 2025 and Government's Action

(39:12) The Cost of Airforce Helicopter During Bharmour Disaster

(40:12) Jagat Negi as Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister

(40:29) Jairam Thakur Vs Jagat Singh Negi - The Story Behind the Rivalry