S Gopal Puri
Kangra – In Himachal Pradesh politics, the post of Deputy Chief Whip is often treated as ceremonial, a role that many leaders avoid due to its limited visibility and influence. But Kewal Singh Pathania, the Congress MLA from Shahpur, is proving that even a position often neglected in political circles can become a tool for both governance and constituency building.
On Thursday, Pathania called on Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi, raising a series of demands directly linked to his home constituency of Shahpur in Kangra district. The region, with its large population of serving and retired soldiers, has long sought greater attention for defence-related infrastructure and welfare facilities.
Pathania highlighted the supreme sacrifice of Subedar Pawan Singh Jarial, the first martyr from Shahpur during Operation Sindoor. He pressed for the sanctioning of a War Memorial in Shahpur, noting that the state government has already identified and allotted land. An early nod from the Defence Ministry, he argued, would allow the project to move forward without delay.
The Deputy Chief Whip also drew attention to the challenges facing ex-servicemen in the area. The ECHS polyclinic currently functions from the premises of a state-run hospital, but severe space constraints limit its services. Pathania informed the Defence Minister that the state government has transferred 0.24 hectares of land to the Ministry of Defence for a new Type-C ECHS polyclinic, a CSD canteen, and a Sainik Rest House.
However, financial sanction for the project remains pending.
Another key issue raised was the 5.91 acres of central government land in the heart of Shahpur town, presently occupied by state government departments. The ground is vital for local schools and the community but remains under-utilized due to ownership disputes. Pathania urged an early resolution through a land exchange policy under the Defence Ministry framework.
By pressing these issues, Pathania has shown a rare example of how a Deputy Chief Whip can step beyond legislative floor management and use the position as a platform for advocacy.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh assured Pathania that the state’s genuine concerns would be examined sympathetically and that necessary support would be extended.
For Pathania, the meeting not only underscored his attentiveness to Shahpur’s needs but also positioned him as a leader who knows how to make the most of an often-overlooked role.
