Himachal Minister Accuses Finance Commission of Undermining National Unity
In a fiery address during the state assembly's budget session on Wednesday, Himachal Pradesh Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi launched a scathing attack on the 16th Finance Commission, labeling it a direct threat to the country's unity and integrity. Negi asserted that the commission has acted as a "puppet" of the BJP-led central government by discontinuing the vital revenue deficit grant (RDG) to states, including Himachal Pradesh.
Allegations of Political Bias and Financial Strangulation
Raising the issue through a government resolution condemning the move, Negi questioned whether the BJP intends to further divide the nation, potentially reducing Himachal Pradesh to a Union Territory akin to the reorganization of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. He emphasized that the central government is constitutionally obligated to provide financial grants to states lacking sufficient revenue resources, framing the issue as one that transcends mere finances and touches the very existence of Himachal Pradesh.
The minister pointed to specific financial grievances, noting that the state is still awaiting Rs 1,500 crore in monsoon disaster relief funds announced by the Prime Minister the previous year. He accused the Centre of deliberately choking funds to Himachal, a situation he attributed to political friction arising from the state being governed by the Congress party while the Centre is under BJP control.
A Call to Action and Poetic Defiance
Addressing opposition BJP MLAs directly, Negi urged them to defend the state's right to the RDG, warning that opposition would equate to acting against Himachal's interests. He invoked Hindi couplets to underscore his message, stating, "Death does not occur only when the breath leaves the body. Those who silently watch their rights being taken away are also dead," and adding, "In the struggle for rights, invitations are not sent; those whose conscience is alive come running on their own."
Negi highlighted a contrast in funding, noting that the previous BJP state government received adequate financial support under the so-called "double engine" formula, whereas the current Congress administration faces constraints. He concluded with a firm commitment, affirming that the Congress government will continue to fight vigorously to secure the state's rightful share of central grants.
BJP Counterclaims of Fiscal Mismanagement
In response, BJP legislator Deep Raj from Karsog accused the state government of "sensationalising" the RDG issue by twisting facts to mask its own fiscal mismanagement. He referenced a warning from the state finance secretary that scrapping the RDG would stall projects, delay schemes, and hinder payments of dearness allowance and arrears to employees, though the chief minister later clarified that no work would be halted.
Raj alleged misleading claims by the chief minister, particularly in election-bound states and abroad, where assertions were made that Himachal would become the richest state by 2032. He argued that the discontinuation of the RDG has exposed the true state of the state's finances, revealing underlying economic challenges.
During the assembly debate, various other MLAs from both Congress and the BJP expressed their views on the RDG issue and the broader fiscal crisis facing Himachal Pradesh, reflecting deep political divisions over financial governance and central-state relations.
