Jairam Thakur Questions State’s Fiscal Narrative

Urges Focus on Financial Discipline

Shimla, Feb 19: Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur has raised concerns over the Himachal Pradesh government’s handling of financial issues, urging it to shift from political rhetoric to fiscal responsibility. Addressing a press conference, he said the state has continued to receive significant central assistance, yet the Congress government is attempting to shift blame onto the Centre instead of improving financial management.

Referring to the discontinuation of the Revenue Deficit Grant (RDG), Thakur stated that managing finances after the 16th Finance Commission recommendations is now the state government’s responsibility. He alleged inconsistencies in loan and repayment figures presented in the Assembly and questioned the credibility of changing financial data.

Highlighting Assembly proceedings, he claimed the opposition was denied adequate time to respond during debates, leading BJP MLAs to protest in the House. Thakur also compared central assistance during UPA and NDA regimes, asserting that Himachal received substantially higher support in recent years. He warned that financial stress could impact development works, salaries, pensions, and government commitments if corrective measures are not taken.

Thakur reiterated that the BJP is willing to cooperate on issues related to the state’s welfare but will continue to challenge what he described as misleading financial narratives with documented facts.