CM Sukhu mourns former HP minister Major Vijay Singh Mankotia
Synopsis
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu mourned the death of Major Vijay Singh Mankotia, a former state minister, calling his passing deeply saddening and saluting his decades of service to public life in the hill state.
Key Takeaways
Major Vijay Singh Mankotia , a former minister in the Himachal Pradesh government, passed away, prompting an official condolence from the Chief Minister.
CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu described the news as 'extremely saddening' and praised Mankotia's long and important role in the state's political and public life.
Sukhu offered prayers for peace for the departed soul and expressed hope that the bereaved family would find strength to bear the loss.
Mankotia's military background — reflected in the prefix 'Major' — distinguished his profile among Himachal Pradesh's political figures.
The condolence follows the established tradition of Indian chief ministers formally acknowledging the passing of former state ministers, irrespective of party affiliation.
A long chapter in Himachal Pradesh's public life came to a close with the passing of Major Vijay Singh Mankotia, a former minister in the state government whose decades of service left an imprint on the hill state's politics. Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu expressed deep grief on Tuesday, 29 September 2026, offering condolences to the bereaved family.
Posting in Hindi on X, Chief Minister Sukhu wrote: 'हिमाचल प्रदेश सरकार में पूर्व मंत्री मेजर विजय सिंह मनकोटिया जी के निधन का समाचार अत्यंत दुखद है' — 'The news of the passing of former minister Major Vijay Singh Mankotia is extremely saddening.' He noted that Mankotia had played an important role in the political and public life of Himachal Pradesh over a long period, and that his contributions would always be remembered.
A career woven into Himachal's public fabric
Major Vijay Singh Mankotia was known not only for his ministerial tenure in the state government but also for a sustained engagement with public life that stretched across decades. His background as a military officer — reflected in the honorary prefix 'Major' — added a distinct dimension to his identity as a politician and public servant in the hill state.
Sukhu's words of solace to the family
In his message, the Chief Minister prayed that God grant peace to the departed soul and give the grieving family the strength to bear this immense loss — 'शोकाकुल परिवार को इस अपार दुःख को सहन करने की शक्ति प्रदान करें'. He conveyed his deep personal sympathies to the bereaved family members.
Such condolence statements by sitting chief ministers carry institutional as well as personal weight. They signal the state's acknowledgement of a former functionary's service — a tradition that crosses party lines in Indian politics and affirms the dignity afforded to those who served in public office.
Point of View
A figure from outside his own Congress fold, underscores a well-practised political norm in Indian state governance: the sitting executive publicly honouring former government functionaries regardless of partisan lines. For Sukhu, who has focused on consolidating his position in a politically competitive Himachal Pradesh, such gestures carry a unifying signal — acknowledging legacy across ideological divides. The reference to Mankotia's 'long' career also subtly affirms the depth of the state's institutional memory. Watch for whether other senior leaders in Himachal and nationally echo the tribute, which could indicate the weight assigned to Mankotia's legacy.
NationPress
29 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Major Vijay Singh Mankotia?
Major Vijay Singh Mankotia was a former minister in the Himachal Pradesh government with a long career in the state's political and public life, also known for his military background.
What did CM Sukhu say about Major Vijay Singh Mankotia's death?
CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu called the news of Mankotia's passing 'extremely saddening,' praised his contributions to Himachal Pradesh, and offered deep condolences to the bereaved family.
When did Major Vijay Singh Mankotia pass away?
The condolence was posted by CM Sukhu on 29 September 2026; the exact date and circumstances of Mankotia's death have not been officially confirmed beyond this announcement.
Which party did Major Vijay Singh Mankotia belong to?
The post does not specify a party affiliation. He served as a minister in the Himachal Pradesh government and was a veteran figure of the state's public life.
What is the tradition of Indian chief ministers issuing condolences for former ministers?
Indian chief ministers routinely issue formal condolence statements on the death of former ministers and public figures as a mark of respect for their service, a practice observed across party lines.
