Shimla’s political arena heated up as former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur launched a scathing attack on incumbent CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu. With the recent Union Budget sparking debates, Thakur zeroed in on the Revenue Deficit Grant, accusing Sukhu of distorting facts to fool the masses.
Thakur clarified that the discontinuation of the Revenue Deficit Grant isn’t targeted at Himachal Pradesh alone—it’s a nationwide policy shift based on Finance Commission recommendations. ‘This is a central budget for the entire country, not one state,’ he emphasized, urging people to see the bigger picture. He dismissed Sukhu’s narrative of injustice against Himachal as misleading propaganda.
Drawing from past experiences, Thakur recalled how the 12th Finance Commission had flagged this issue years ago. Under his government’s tenure with the 14th Finance Commission, Himachal secured a whopping Rs 40,000 crore in grants, far surpassing the Rs 7,800 crore from the previous period. Even during the 15th Finance Commission (2020-2025), funds were allocated progressively reduced, a trend exacerbated by COVID-19 economic shocks.
Thakur highlighted Himachal’s top position in receiving these grants due to proactive advocacy by his administration. In contrast, he lambasted the current regime for failing to represent the state effectively before the Commission, unlike southern states like Karnataka and Telangana. ‘Why couldn’t they fight for us?’ he questioned.
The opposition leader painted a grim picture painted by Sukhu’s own finance secretary: slashing subsidies on power, water, and rations; halting new jobs; stalling development projects; and a Rs 7,000 crore funding shortfall. Yet, instead of transparency, Sukhu resorts to finger-pointing at the Centre and predecessors.
Thakur touted his government’s achievements— schemes like Grihini Suvidha, Sahara, HimCare, Mukhya Mantri Swabhiman Yojana, Shagun, and Jal Jeevan Mission— all funded responsibly to deliver roads, clean water to every home, and welfare. Today, pensioners, employees, and villagers fret over basics amid opacity from the ruling dispensation.
In a direct plea, Thakur implored Sukhu to ditch falsehoods and present hard truths. Himachal’s people demand a clear roadmap to fiscal self-reliance amid subsidy cuts and stalled growth. With ministers reportedly disgruntled despite a majority, can this government steer the state’s economy? The public awaits honest answers, not blame games.