Just in: Himachal Pradesh cabinet approves Dharamsala as the second capital of the state.


In a sudden move ahead of assembly polls later this year, Himachal Pradesh chief minister Virbhadra Singh on Thursday announced Dharamsala as the second capital of the tiny hill state with a population of about 70 lakh.


The chief minister, who was on a visit to lower hills of Himachal Pradesh, said, "Dharamsala nestling in the lap of majestic snow-clad Dhauladhar ranges has a significance and history of its own and fully deserved to be the second capital of the state."


The announcement is significant as 25 out of 68 assembly seats fall in Kangra, Una and Hamirpur districts, and Dharamsala was important for lower areas of Himachal Pradesh including Kangra, Chamba, Hamirpur and Una districts.


The chief minister said that the people of these areas would now benefit from the decision and that they would not be required to travel long distances to come to Shimla for their works.


Dharamsala already figured prominently in national and international map due to its significance owing to many reasons including religious, natural and adventurous tourism and also being abode of Tibetan Spiritual head Dalai Lama.


The chief minister said it was during his earlier term, a full-fledged winter session of the assembly was held for the first time outside Shimla in December, 2005.