CM Sukhu’s Budget Reply Sparks Tensions, BJP Walks Out After Heated Exchange

Shimla, March 21: In a highly charged atmosphere, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Friday delivered a forceful reply to the four-day-long budget discussion in the Himachal Pradesh Assembly, marking a significant counterattack on the opposition BJP. The CM presented his government’s stance with a series of announcements and aggressive remarks against the former BJP-led administration, particularly blaming it for the rising debt burden on the state.

The budget discussion, which spanned 15.5 hours with 48 members from both ruling and opposition parties taking part, saw heated exchanges. While the ruling Congress party defended the budget as essential for the state’s development, the BJP criticized it sharply, alleging inefficiencies and misplaced priorities. CM Sukhu, however, did not hold back in his rebuttal.

Key Announcements and Government Support for Employees

During his reply, CM Sukhu announced two significant measures aimed at both addressing immediate concerns and bolstering support for government employees. The first major announcement was the introduction of a new policy for jobs on compassionate grounds, set to be implemented within a month. This move was welcomed by government employees and their families, providing a sense of job security and relief.

In addition to this, Sukhu also revealed an increase of Rs 1 lakh in the discretionary fund allotted to MLAs, a move intended to further empower legislators in their constituency work. The announcement was seen as an effort to strengthen ties with the legislative members, especially ahead of the upcoming elections.

Accusations Against the Former BJP Government

While his announcements sought to reassure the people of Himachal Pradesh, CM Sukhu was also keen on addressing what he called the legacy of financial mismanagement by the previous BJP government. He pointedly accused the former administration of exacerbating the state’s financial crisis by misusing central funds intended for debt relief and employee liabilities.

The CM detailed how the former BJP government received substantial financial aid from the central government, including Rs 68,000 crore in revenue deficit grants and GST compensation. Instead of using these funds to alleviate the state’s mounting debt, Sukhu alleged that the funds were diverted for electoral gains, further straining the state’s financial position.

He added that the BJP government had left the Congress administration with a debt burden of Rs 40,772 crore, along with an additional Rs 10,000 crore in employee arrears. This heavy financial load, Sukhu claimed, was now being managed by his government, which he said was striving to balance the state’s development needs with fiscal responsibility.

Opposition Walks Out in Protest

The Chief Minister’s statements triggered an immediate uproar among the opposition BJP members. As Sukhu presented the figures, BJP MLAs began shouting slogans, accusing the government of fabricating financial data. The uproar escalated quickly, and in a dramatic turn, the entire BJP contingent walked out of the House in protest. They expressed dissatisfaction with the CM’s response, claiming that the budget failed to address the pressing issues facing the state and that the figures presented were misleading.

Despite the walkout, CM Sukhu stood firm on his statements, defending the current government’s approach to governance and its commitment to tackling the state’s financial challenges. His reply effectively shifted the focus to the failures of the previous government, setting the stage for ongoing political battles.

The tension-filled exchange marked a significant moment in the ongoing budget discussions in Himachal Pradesh, with the Chief Minister using the platform not only to defend his government’s policies but also to launch a fierce critique of the opposition’s governance. As the BJP continues to express dissatisfaction with the budget, it is clear that the political atmosphere in the state remains charged, with both sides gearing up for the next round of political engagements.