Former Himachal CM Jairam Thakur Launches Scathing Attack on Congress-Led State Government
In a sharp critique delivered during a press conference in Shimla on Thursday, former chief minister and Leader of the Opposition Jairam Thakur lambasted the Himachal Pradesh Congress government, accusing it of severe administrative failure and financial incompetence. Thakur's remarks centered on the discontinuation of the revenue deficit grant (RDG), which he attributed to the state government's inability to effectively present its case to the 16th Finance Commission.
Double Standards and Financial Blunders Highlighted
Thakur pointed out a glaring "double standard," noting that the Congress-led government in Karnataka had previously opposed the RDG, yet the Himachal administration failed to secure it. He argued that the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu-led government has spent three years blaming the BJP while the state's economy floundered, with delays in pensions and salaries, and legislative priorities stalling due to the halt in MLA funds.
Questioning the Chief Minister's Vision
The opposition leader questioned Chief Minister Sukhu's ambitious goals of making Himachal self-reliant by 2027 and the richest state by 2032, labeling them as unrealistic given the current financial turmoil. He presented comparative data to underscore his point: Himachal received Rs 18,091 crore in RDG during 2005–2015, but this amount surged over fourfold to Rs 77,823 crore between 2015–2025 under the Narendra Modi-led NDA government.
Unfulfilled Promises and Mounting Concerns
Thakur warned that key promises, such as providing Rs 1,500 for women, remain unfulfilled, and he accused the state of being "directionless" amid rising corruption and lawlessness. He also criticized the government's approach to panchayat elections, describing it as a "fear of defeat," and highlighted the escalating state debt, which has exceeded previous limits.
Urgent Call for Action and Central Support
In his address, Thakur urged Chief Minister Sukhu to moderate his rhetoric, listen to honest ministers, and proactively present the state's case to the central government. He emphasized that central support for Himachal Pradesh remains robust, citing allocations of Rs 13,949 crore in tax devolution, Rs 10,243 crore in grants, and Rs 8,309 crore in interest-free loans for 2026–27.
The press conference was also attended by former ministers Suresh Bhardwaj and Chopal MLA Balbir Verma, underscoring the collective concern over the state's governance and financial health.
