Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu to Meet Kharge, Rahul Gandhi Over Revenue Deficit Grant Crisis

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, along with his council of ministers, will meet Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and senior leader Rahul Gandhi in Delhi on Thursday to apprise them of the financial crisis the state may face following the discontinuation of the Revenue Deficit Grant (RDG).

The meeting with the Congress high command is scheduled for 4 pm and will focus on the financial strain expected after the 16th Finance Commission recommended scrapping the RDG for Himachal Pradesh.

Assembly Debate and Resolution

The Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha is currently debating the RDG issue under Rule 102. The discussion will conclude today, following which the House is expected to pass a resolution urging the Centre to continue the grant.

The stance of the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) remains crucial, as the resolution is being framed as a matter of state interest rather than partisan politics. Sukhu and other Congress leaders have appealed to the BJP to support the move.

“You cannot imagine the situation that has arisen due to the recommendation on RDG. Both the ruling and opposition parties must raise their voice together to protect the interest of the state,” Sukhu said.

Bid to Meet the Prime Minister

Sukhu has also sought an appointment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, though confirmation is still awaited. He has indicated his willingness to meet the Prime Minister even under the leadership of BJP representatives, provided the opposition agrees to present a united front in the state’s interest.

With the Union Budget scheduled to be passed on March 17, the Chief Minister stressed the urgency of raising the issue with the Centre.

“If the right of 75 lakh people of Himachal are snatched, the state will suffer for all times to come,” he said.

Financial Burden and Political Blame

Sukhu claimed that the Congress government inherited:

• Pending employee arrears of Rs 10,000 crore
• A debt burden of Rs 76,000 crore
• A capped loan-raising limit

He also stated that the previous BJP regime received Rs 54,296 crore as RDG and Rs 16,000 crore as GST compensation, while the present government has received Rs 17,000 crore as RDG over the past three years.

The BJP, however, has accused the state government of financial mismanagement, alleging that pre-election guarantees and political appointments — including advisors and heads of boards and corporations — have placed additional strain on the exchequer.

The outcome of Thursday’s meeting in Delhi and the Assembly resolution could shape the next phase of negotiations between Himachal Pradesh and the Centre over fiscal support and revenue stability.

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