CM Sukhu mourns MLA Nand Lal, 7th Finance Commission chief
Synopsis
Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu mourned the passing of Nand Lal, MLA from Rampur and Chairman of the 7th State Finance Commission, calling him a principled and party-loyal leader who served society with dedication.
Key Takeaways
Nand Lal , MLA from Rampur assembly constituency in Shimla district, Himachal Pradesh, has passed away.
He was serving as Chairman of the 7th State Finance Commission , the body that recommends fund devolution to local bodies in Himachal Pradesh.
CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu paid tribute on November 3, 2026 , describing Nand Lal as principled, loyal, and dedicated to public life.
His death creates a leadership vacancy at the State Finance Commission with implications for local governance funding recommendations.
A by-election for the Rampur assembly seat will need to be notified under election law.
A steady voice in Himachal Pradesh's legislature and the chairman of a body that shapes how funds flow to the state's grassroots — Nand Lal, MLA from Rampur assembly constituency, has passed away. Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu expressed deep grief on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, calling the loss 'extremely saddening.'
In his condolence message posted on X, CM Sukhu wrote: 'Nand Lal ji apne usoolon par adig rehne wale aur party ke prati nishthavan neta the' — 'Nand Lal ji was a leader who stood firm on his principles and was deeply loyal to the party.' He added that Nand Lal's clear-thinking personality would be remembered always, and that he remained dedicated to society throughout his public life.
Sukhu closed with a prayer: 'May God grant peace to the departed soul and give courage and strength to the grieving family in this difficult hour. My deepest condolences are with the bereaved family. Om Shanti.'
The weight of two roles: MLA and Commission chairman
Nand Lal held two significant public positions at the time of his death. As MLA from Rampur — an assembly constituency in Shimla district — he was an elected representative of the people of that region. Simultaneously, he served as Chairman of the 7th State Finance Commission, the statutory body tasked with recommending how Himachal Pradesh's government should devolve funds to its local bodies, including panchayats and urban local bodies.
The dual responsibility underscored both his political standing within the Congress organisation and the trust the state government placed in his institutional judgment. His passing now creates a vacancy at the top of a commission whose recommendations carry direct consequences for local governance across the state.
What comes next for Rampur and the Finance Commission
Nand Lal's death opens two procedural questions for the Sukhu government. The 7th State Finance Commission will require a new chairman to continue — or conclude — its work on fund-devolution recommendations. Separately, a by-election for the Rampur assembly seat will need to be notified in accordance with election law timelines.
For the constituents of Rampur, the loss is immediate and personal. For state finances at the panchayat level, continuity of the commission's work will be the near-term administrative priority.
Point of View
Since its unfinished recommendations directly affect fund flows to panchayats across the state.
NationPress
3 Nov 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Nand Lal from Himachal Pradesh?
Nand Lal was the sitting MLA from the Rampur assembly constituency in Shimla district, Himachal Pradesh, and was serving as Chairman of the 7th State Finance Commission at the time of his death.
What is the 7th State Finance Commission of Himachal Pradesh?
The 7th State Finance Commission is a statutory body constituted by the Himachal Pradesh government to recommend how state funds should be devolved to local bodies such as panchayats and urban local bodies.
What did CM Sukhu say about Nand Lal's death?
CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu described Nand Lal as a leader who stood firm on his principles, was loyal to the party, and was dedicated to society throughout his public life, offering deep condolences to the bereaved family.
Will there be a by-election in Rampur after Nand Lal's death?
Yes, Nand Lal's death as sitting MLA from Rampur will require a by-election to be notified for the seat in accordance with election law timelines.
Where is Rampur assembly constituency located?
Rampur assembly constituency is located in Shimla district of Himachal Pradesh.
