Himachal Pradesh News
Jai Ram Thakur Slams Himachal Govt Over ‘Halted Development’, Sukhu Cites Financial Crisis
A heated political face-off unfolded in the Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha as Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur sharply criticized the state government, accusing it of bringing development to a standstill. Responding firmly, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu defended his administration, pointing to financial challenges and reduced central assistance.
A heated political face-off unfolded in the Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha as Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur sharply criticized the state government, accusing it of bringing development to a standstill. Responding firmly, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu defended his administration, pointing to financial challenges and reduced central assistance.
The debate, held during the Motion of Thanks to the Governor’s Address, quickly turned intense. Thakur questioned the government’s performance, highlighting that the Governor’s speech lasted just over two minutes — a detail he used to suggest a lack of achievements.
He alleged that across Himachal Pradesh, development works have stalled, leading to growing dissatisfaction among youth, women, and government employees. According to him, many people have been forced to protest due to unfulfilled expectations.
One of the major points of criticism was the Congress party’s pre-election promises. Thakur pointed out that while financial aid of 1,500 crore was promised to benefit over 35,000 women, only 7.43 crore has been spent so far. He called this a clear example of promises not translating into action.
Raising further concerns, Thakur accused the government of weakening the state’s financial and administrative structure. He alleged that properties of the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation were being leased out, calling it an attempt to “sell off” state assets. He also flagged issues such as rising corruption, worsening law and order, lack of recruitments, and the closure of more than 1,000 institutions.
Delays in payments under the Himcare scheme were also highlighted, with Thakur claiming that governance in the state has effectively slowed down.
However, the government strongly pushed back against these allegations. Earlier in the debate, Bhoranj MLA Suresh Kumar defended the administration, stating that despite financial pressure and natural disasters, the government has ensured balanced development across the state. He also accused the opposition of attempting political destabilisation.
Adding to the discussion, Theog MLA Kuldeep Rathore stressed the importance of the Revenue Deficit Grant (RDG), stating that it is a rightful support mechanism for the people of Himachal Pradesh, not a political favor. He pointed out that the state is currently dealing with serious financial constraints after the end of GST compensation and borrowing restrictions.
Chief Minister Sukhu, intervening in the debate, raised a critical issue — the halt in RDG support. He stated that under Article 275, no central government in the past 77 years had stopped RDG to any state, calling the current situation unprecedented.
Sukhu also highlighted the financial legacy inherited by his government. He said that when the previous BJP government came to power in 2017, the state had a debt of ₹48,000 crore but received 70,000 crore through RDG and GST compensation. According to him, better financial management during that period could have improved the state’s current condition.
In a conciliatory tone, Sukhu said that RDG is not about politics but about the welfare of Himachal’s 75 lakh people. He even expressed willingness to approach the Prime Minister jointly with opposition leaders to demand restoration of RDG — a move he claimed did not receive support from the BJP.
As the debate continues, the political clash highlights deeper concerns around governance, financial stability, and the future direction of development in Himachal Pradesh.
