Political tensions rise as Himachal receives ₹1,500 Crore from Centre

Following the central government’s release of ₹1,500 crore to Himachal Pradesh, political tensions have escalated. Leader of the Opposition, Jairam Thakur, criticized the state government for not expressing gratitude to the center for the funds.

In response, Chief Minister’s media advisor Naresh Chauhan stated that the funds are part of Himachal’s rightful tax share. He questioned Jairam Thakur, asking if the central government had extended any special assistance to the state and urged him not to mislead the public.

Chauhan further criticized the previous government for implementing the Sixth Pay Commission without offering any benefits to employees, leaving the current administration to handle ₹10,000 crore in liabilities related to employees and pensioners.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has announced a 4% DA increase as a Diwali gift for state employees, addressing their long-standing demand. He also pledged to clear the pending overtime and medical bills of HRTC employees.

Sukhu highlighted that the Congress government is committed to employee welfare and asked former CM Jairam Thakur to clarify whether he opposes the DA increase.