Himachal Pradesh News
Himachal Pradesh RDG Row Heats Up: Congress to Take Grant Cut and Apple Farmers Issues to Parliament
A fresh political confrontation is brewing ahead of the March Parliament session, as the Congress party prepares to strongly raise two key concerns — the discontinuation of Himachal Pradesh’s Revenue Deficit Grant (RDG) and the growing anxiety among apple farmers over the proposed India–US trade framework.
A fresh political confrontation is brewing ahead of the March Parliament session, as the Congress party prepares to strongly raise two key concerns — the discontinuation of Himachal Pradesh’s Revenue Deficit Grant (RDG) and the growing anxiety among apple farmers over the proposed India–US trade framework.
The strategy was finalized at a high-level meeting chaired by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge at his New Delhi residence. The meeting brought together Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and senior leaders from Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Maharashtra. Himachal Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu was also present.
Why RDG Has Become a Flashpoint in Himachal
At the heart of the issue is the Centre’s decision to discontinue the Revenue Deficit Grant — financial support provided under Article 275 of the Constitution, based on recommendations of the Finance Commission. These grants-in-aid come from the Consolidated Fund of India and are meant to bridge revenue gaps in states.
Speaking after the meeting, Sukhu said the central leadership was fully briefed on the potential impact of the RDG withdrawal. According to him, the decision could strain Himachal’s finances, slow down development projects, and disrupt welfare schemes that benefit lakhs of residents.
Framing the issue beyond party lines, Sukhu described it as a matter of federal balance and financial justice. He stressed that nearly 75 lakh people in the hill state could feel the impact if the grant is not restored.
The Himachal Pradesh Assembly has already passed a resolution urging the Centre to reconsider its move. Congress leaders argue that this is not merely a political disagreement but a question of protecting the state’s financial stability.
Apple Growers Watching Trade Talks Closely
Alongside the RDG debate, Congress is also planning to raise concerns related to apple growers in hill states. With discussions around a proposed India–US trade framework underway, farmers fear that possible trade concessions could open doors to cheaper imports, directly affecting domestic producers.
Apple cultivation forms the backbone of Himachal’s rural economy. Any policy change impacting pricing or market access has the potential to influence thousands of farming families.
Party sources suggest that Congress intends to link both issues — financial support for the state and protection for its farmers — while raising them forcefully in Parliament.
Organisational Push on the Ground
Beyond Parliament, Congress has begun strengthening its outreach efforts. Kisan sammelans have already been held in Bhopal, with more events planned in Yavatmal on March 7 and Ganganagar. A broader mobilisation effort is also being considered in Himachal Pradesh.
Senior leaders including KC Venugopal, Rajni Patil, Vinay Kumar, Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri and former Rajya Sabha MP Anand Sharma participated in the strategy discussions.
As the Parliament session approaches, both the RDG dispute and apple growers’ anxieties are set to dominate political discourse. Whether the Centre reconsiders its stance or stands firm could shape the narrative not just in Himachal, but across other states watching closely.
