Sukhu to Meet Congress Leadership Over Himachal’s Financial Crisis
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, along with his council of ministers, is set to meet Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi in Delhi on Thursday to discuss Himachal Pradesh’s looming financial crisis following the discontinuation of the Revenue Deficit Grant (RDG). The meeting is scheduled for 4 pm and will focus on the state’s fiscal challenges after the 16th Finance Commission recommended scrapping the grant.
Sukhu has also sought an appointment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, though confirmation is awaited. He has repeatedly said he is willing to meet the Prime Minister alongside BJP leaders if it helps safeguard the state’s interests.
Meanwhile, the Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha is debating the RDG issue under Rule 102, with a resolution expected to be passed and sent to the Centre. Sukhu has urged the BJP to support the resolution, stressing unity in protecting the rights of Himachal’s 75 lakh people. “You cannot imagine the situation that has arisen due to the recommendation of the RDG. Both ruling and opposition parties must raise their voice together,” he said.
The Chief Minister highlighted the state’s heavy debt burden, inherited arrears of ₹10,000 crore, and a loan limit that restricts financial flexibility. He contrasted the funds received by the previous BJP regime — ₹54,296 crore in RDG and ₹16,000 crore in GST compensation — with the ₹17,000 crore received by the Congress government over the past three years.
The BJP, however, has accused the government of mismanagement, pointing to election-time guarantees and political appointments that have strained the exchequer. With the Union Budget set to be passed on March 17, Sukhu insists the issue must be raised at the highest level without delay.
