Vinay Kumar Slams Union Budget: Himachal’s Pain Ignored, Our Rights Denied
State Congress President Vinay Kumar has sharply criticized the Union Budget, calling the absence of any special announcement for Himachal Pradesh not just disappointing but a blatant disregard for the state’s unique challenges.
He reminded that Himachal, as a hilly state, faces geographical and economic conditions unlike most others. Yet, despite the devastating natural disasters of 2023–24—which uprooted families, destroyed homes, collapsed bridges, and caused losses worth billions—the budget offered no relief package, no reconstruction plan, and no recovery assistance.
“This silence from the central government is the height of insensitivity and neglect,” Kumar said, adding that Himachal’s economy rests on four pillars: tourism, MNREGA, farmers-gardeners, and infrastructure connectivity. None of these sectors received Himachal-specific support in the budget.
He pointed out that crucial projects like Bhanupalli rail line, Bilaspur-Leh railway, national highway expansion, and airport upgrades have been ignored, making it seem as if Himachal is treated as a remote outpost rather than an integral part of India.
“We are not asking for charity, but for our constitutional rights,” Kumar asserted. He reminded that Himachal has always contributed to the nation—through soldiers, hydroelectric power, and environmental preservation—yet is now being sidelined.
Calling this a direct blow to the self-respect of Himachalis, Kumar demanded an immediate special assistance package and priority approval for major projects. He warned that the people of Himachal will not tolerate this neglect silently: “Himachal knows how to respond to any government that ignores it.”
