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Shimla (Himachal Pradesh), February 19 :
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Wednesday criticised BJP MLAs for refusing to support a government resolution demanding the restoration of the Revenue Deficit Grant (RDG).
Sukhu said the state government brought the resolution after the 16th Finance Commission recommended ending the grant. He called the BJP’s stand “unfortunate” and said the government wanted to fight for Himachal Pradesh’s rights together.
“We wanted to fight for Himachal’s rights collectively. I even requested that we go together to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi. But today, they chose not to stand with us,” Sukhu said.
The Chief Minister said the Constitution guarantees RDG as a right. He also said the grant belongs to the people of Himachal Pradesh, not to any political party.
Jairam Thakur Blames Congress Government
Himachal Pradesh Leader of Opposition and BJP leader Jairam Thakur rejected Sukhu’s claims. He alleged that the Chief Minister presented incorrect figures in the Assembly.
“If Himachal Pradesh is not receiving the Revenue Deficit Grant now, the responsibility lies with the present Congress government,” Thakur said.
Speaker Says House Will Send Resolution to Centre
Himachal Pradesh Assembly Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania said the issue affects Himachal Pradesh and other hill states.
He said the House held a detailed discussion for two days and gave members enough time to speak. The House then approved the resolution through a majority vote.
Pathania said the Assembly will now send the resolution to Parliament and the Central Government.
“We hope the Centre takes a positive decision in the interest of Himachal Pradesh,” Pathania said.
Assembly Sees Disruptions During RDG Debate
Earlier on Wednesday, the Himachal Pradesh Assembly witnessed repeated disruptions when Sukhu started replying to the debate under Rule 102.
Sukhu said the Centre stopped the RDG on February 1. He said the state government immediately collected feedback from stakeholders.
He warned that the stoppage could force Himachal Pradesh to cut its budget by 15 per cent.
The political confrontation over RDG has now intensified, with Congress and BJP blaming each other over Himachal’s financial support.
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