Ex-HP BJP leader dies after having poison, wife stable

Kullu: Former BJP leader Rakesh Chaudhary died in a hospital in Kangra district on Tuesday. Chaudhary and his wife Shivani were admitted to Rajendra Prasad Medical College and Hospital in Tanda on Monday night after the duo allegedly consumed poison. Doctors said his wife’s condition is stable.
Chaudhary was 46 and is survived by wife and two sons.
Kangra assistant superintendent of police (ASP) Bir Bahadur told media persons in Dharamshala that the reason for them consuming poison is not yet clear.
“We had received information on Monday evening that Rakesh Chaudhary and his wife had consumed poison. We are investigating,” said the ASP.
An OBC leader and a resident of Paddar panchayat in Dharamshala, Rakesh Chaudhary, fought assembly elections from Dharamshala constituency thrice — as an Independent in 2019 and 2024 and on BJP ticket in 2022. Chaudhary suffered defeat in all three elections.
In May this year, Chaudhary was expelled from the BJP after he had contested the by-election for the Dharamshala seat as an independent after being refused party ticket.
Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla and chief minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu expressed their grief over the death of Chaudhary.
In his condolence message, the governor recognised him as a dedicated and industrious leader.
Sukhu lauded the significant contributions of Chaudhary to public service and the development of the region. He conveyed his condolences to the family.