BJP Leader Accuses Himachal Congress Government of Financial Mismanagement
In a sharp critique of the ruling administration, Himachal Pradesh BJP president Dr Rajeev Bindal on Saturday launched a scathing attack against the Congress-led state government. He accused it of grossly mismanaging state finances while unfairly shifting blame onto the Central government and previous BJP administrations for its own shortcomings.
Questioning Governance and Development Claims
Addressing a press conference in Shimla, Dr Bindal highlighted that despite being in power for nearly forty months, the Congress government had failed to deliver meaningful development across Himachal Pradesh. He argued that the administration was attempting to mask its governance failures through political allegations rather than focusing on substantive governance improvements.
The BJP leader specifically questioned the seriousness of Friday's all-party meeting, noting the conspicuous absence of key ruling party leaders including the state Congress president and the deputy chief minister. He suggested the gathering appeared more like political posturing than a genuine effort to build consensus on state issues.
Presenting Data on Central Financial Support
Citing official government data, Dr Bindal presented compelling figures demonstrating substantial financial support from the Centre to Himachal Pradesh:
- Himachal Pradesh's share in Central taxes has increased to 0.914%, which translates to approximately Rs 13,950 crore in 2026—about Rs 2,450 crore more than the previous year.
- Additional grants include Rs 4,179 crore for rural and urban development initiatives.
- Another Rs 2,682 crore has been allocated under state disaster response fund (SDRF) and disaster mitigation fund (DMF) provisions.
Comparing finance commission allocations over decades, Dr Bindal emphasized that the state received significantly higher funds under both the 14th and 15th finance commissions compared to earlier periods. He further noted that revenue deficit grants (RDG) increased sharply after 2015, providing additional financial support to the state.
Contrasting Financial Reality with Political Rhetoric
Despite this substantial central support, Dr Bindal pointed to concerning developments within Himachal Pradesh:
- Several state institutions have been closed despite increased funding.
- Pension payments to retirees have faced significant delays.
- Taxes on essential services have been raised, increasing the burden on citizens.
The BJP president presented current financial figures showing state revenue at approximately Rs 42,000 crore against expenditures of Rs 48,000 crore. He argued that this data contradicts claims of a financial emergency being propagated by the state government.
Looking forward, projected revenue for the coming financial year is expected to rise to nearly Rs 26,600 crore, which could significantly reduce the existing revenue-expenditure gap and improve the state's fiscal position.
Call for Governance Focus Over Blame Politics
Dr Bindal maintained that the Central government continues to extend substantial financial and policy support to Himachal Pradesh. He urged the state administration to redirect its focus from political blame games toward improving governance efficiency, implementing development projects effectively, and addressing the real needs of Himachal's citizens.
The BJP leader's comprehensive critique comes amid ongoing political tensions in the state, with the opposition party positioning itself as a vigilant watchdog of government performance while defending the Centre's role in supporting state development through substantial financial allocations.
