Kishau Deal Brings Big Relief for Himachal, Congress Credits Tough Negotiations

In a sharp response to claims made by BJP leaders over the Kishau Multipurpose Project, Agriculture Minister Chander Kumar and PWD Minister Vikramaditya Singh said the final agreement was not merely the result of inter-state consensus, but also a consequence of the Himachal Pradesh government’s determined efforts to safeguard the state’s financial interests.

The ministers acknowledged the Centre’s role in facilitating an agreement among six states but stressed that the real challenge for Himachal was ensuring that the state was not saddled with an unfair financial burden. They argued that while the previous BJP government had agreed to a contribution of around ₹800 crore, the present Congress-led government revisited the arrangement, citing Himachal’s financial constraints and the social and environmental costs linked to the project.

According to the ministers, persistent negotiations by the current government resulted in a significant shift in the project’s financial structure. A liability estimated at nearly ₹2,000 crore, which could have fallen on Himachal Pradesh, was instead transferred to beneficiary states including Delhi, Rajasthan and Haryana.

They questioned BJP leaders’ criticism, asking why the earlier government had accepted a substantial financial commitment if the state’s interests were already fully protected. The ministers maintained that the people of Himachal can clearly distinguish between the original arrangement and the negotiations that later improved it.

Highlighting the project’s benefits, they said Himachal Pradesh is expected to receive around 1,000 million units of electricity annually and gain an estimated ₹1,200 to ₹1,500 crore in yearly benefits without additional financial liability. They described the agreement as a major step towards strengthening the state’s economic future and energy security.

Responding directly to MP Anurag Singh Thakur’s remarks, the ministers said it would be inaccurate to attribute the entire achievement to any single government. They emphasised that the final outcome was shaped through sustained discussions and repeated efforts by the state government to address concerns regarding Himachal’s financial obligations.

The ministers also challenged BJP leaders to place the complete documentary record before the public, arguing that facts, not political narratives, should determine who played what role in securing the agreement.

They further highlighted the government’s broader financial management efforts, noting that despite inheriting significant debt and liabilities, the administration has generated additional revenue and taken anti-corruption measures to strengthen the state’s finances.

Reaffirming their commitment to protecting Himachal’s rights over its water and hydropower resources, the ministers said the government would continue pursuing issues related to projects such as BBMB and the Shanan Power Project. They urged all political parties to rise above partisan interests and work together to secure the state’s long-term prosperity and resource rights.