Himachal Pradesh News
Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Congress MLAs Plan Delhi Protest Over Revenue Deficit Grant Withdrawal
In a move that could intensify the Centre–State political confrontation, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and Congress MLAs from Himachal Pradesh are likely to stage a protest in New Delhi over the withdrawal of the Revenue Deficit Grant (RDG).
In a move that could intensify the Centre–State political confrontation, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and Congress MLAs from Himachal Pradesh are likely to stage a protest in New Delhi over the withdrawal of the Revenue Deficit Grant (RDG).
The decision was taken during a high-level meeting in the national capital attended by senior Congress leaders, including Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi. According to sources, the Congress leadership believes that raising the issue publicly in Delhi will bring national attention to what it calls “step-motherly treatment” towards Congress-ruled states.
Why Is RDG Withdrawal a Big Issue for Himachal?
Himachal Pradesh, a hill state with limited revenue sources and high expenditure commitments, has long depended on central assistance to maintain fiscal stability. The discontinuation of the Revenue Deficit Grant, reportedly recommended by the Finance Commission, is expected to put additional pressure on the already cash-strapped state economy.
During the meeting, Sukhu is said to have highlighted how the grant’s withdrawal could severely impact developmental works, welfare schemes, and routine government functioning. For a state grappling with financial stress, the RDG has been a crucial support mechanism.
Congress to Raise Issue in Parliament
Rahul Gandhi reportedly assured the Himachal leadership that the matter would also be raised in both Houses of Parliament — the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. However, he is believed to have advised the state leadership to take the protest to the streets in Delhi to amplify the political message.
The party’s central leadership has also encouraged a more aggressive stance against the BJP in Himachal, especially targeting prominent MPs like Anurag Thakur and Kangana Ranaut, who have been vocal critics of the state government.
Rajya Sabha Election in Focus
The meeting also discussed the upcoming Rajya Sabha election following the completion of the term of Indu Goswami. With polling notified for March 16, the Congress high command is proceeding cautiously — particularly after cross-voting by six MLAs during the February 2024 Rajya Sabha elections created political turbulence.
Sources indicate that the party may finalise its candidate closer to the polling date, with a strong possibility that a leader from Himachal Pradesh will be nominated.
Political Temperature Rising
The proposed Delhi protest signals rising political tensions between the Congress-led Himachal government and the BJP-led Centre. As financial concerns intersect with political strategy, the coming weeks could see sharper confrontations both on the streets and inside Parliament.
For Himachal Pradesh, however, beyond the political optics lies a more pressing concern — safeguarding its financial stability and ensuring that development does not stall amid the Centre–State tug of war.
