Himachal Pradesh: Four-Time Rampur MLA Nand Lal Dies at 72 After Prolonged Illness; Congress Leaders Pay Tribute

November 3, 2026

Shimla: Senior Congress leader and four-time Rampur MLA Nand Lal died at the age of 72 at the Atal Institute of Medical Super Specialities (AIMSS), Chamiyana, on Tuesday morning after a prolonged illness.

His death has left the Congress party and the people of Rampur in mourning. Nand Lal was also serving as Chairman of the Himachal Pradesh State Finance Commission and the state government’s 20-Point Programme.

Remembered for his honesty, humility and commitment to public service, he made significant contributions to the development of the Rampur Assembly constituency.

Congress leaders, ministers and party workers gathered at Congress Bhawan in Shimla to pay their last respects to the veteran leader. His mortal remains were brought to the party office for the last darshan before being taken to Rampur, where his last rites are scheduled to be performed on Wednesday.

Congress Leaders Recall Nand Lal’s Contribution to Rampur

Industry Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan, Education Minister Rohit Thakur, former Himachal Pradesh Congress Committee president Pratibha Singh and PWD Minister Vikramaditya Singh paid tributes to Nand Lal and recalled his long political journey and dedication to public service.

Harshwardhan Chauhan said Nand Lal’s four consecutive victories from the same Assembly constituency reflected the trust and affection he enjoyed among the people.

“Winning four consecutive elections from the same Assembly constituency is very difficult. I believe this was possible because the people of Rampur Assembly constituency always blessed him and because of his way of working and his spirit of dedication,” Chauhan said.

He described Nand Lal’s demise as a huge loss and recalled visiting him at the hospital after returning from Delhi on Monday. The minister said the veteran MLA was in the intensive care unit at the time and that he had also met his wife, son and daughter-in-law.

Education Minister Rohit Thakur said Nand Lal’s death was deeply painful for the Congress party, Rampur and the entire region.

“Nand Lal ji’s passing away is very painful for all of us. We pay our heartfelt tributes to him. He served his constituency with great honesty and dedication,” Thakur said.

Recalling his service in the armed forces before entering politics, Thakur said Nand Lal had served in the security detail of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and had also participated in the Kargil War.

He added that Nand Lal brought the experience and discipline of his service into public life and worked sincerely to address the problems faced by people in Rampur.

Pratibha Singh, Vikramaditya Singh Pay Tributes

Former Himachal Pradesh Congress Committee president Pratibha Singh described Nand Lal as a senior and respected Congress leader who had made a significant contribution to Rampur’s development.

She said he had represented the constituency four times and expressed condolences to his family.

Pratibha Singh added that Congress leaders would stand with the family during this difficult time and work collectively to carry forward the good work undertaken by the veteran MLA.

PWD Minister Vikramaditya Singh also recalled Nand Lal’s long association with the people of Rampur and his commitment to public service.

He said Nand Lal had represented Rampur four times and made important contributions to the development of the region and the welfare of its people.

Vikramaditya Singh also recalled his service in the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and the Special Protection Group (SPG), including responsibilities associated with the Prime Minister’s security.

Describing him as a gentle, humble and principled person, the minister said Nand Lal always worked for his constituency with sincerity and a spirit of service.

From Security Service to Four Consecutive Assembly Terms

Nand Lal was elected to the Himachal Pradesh Assembly from Rampur for four consecutive terms in 2007, 2012, 2017 and 2022.

Born on April 16, 1954, in Deothi village of Rampur Bushahr, he completed his postgraduation in Political Science from Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla.

Before entering electoral politics, he served in the ITBP and the Special Protection Group. He also held responsibilities associated with the security of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.

After taking voluntary retirement in 2007, Nand Lal entered politics and went on to represent Rampur for four consecutive terms.

Congress leaders said his death had left a void in the party and the constituency, where he was widely known for his accessibility, honesty and dedication to public service.

His mortal remains were taken to Rampur after tributes at Congress Bhawan in Shimla. His last rites are scheduled to be performed there on Wednesday.