“Even Congress Leaders Disappointed with Budget”: Jairam Thakur

Shimla, March 22, 2026:
Former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur on Saturday launched a sharp attack on the Sukhu government’s fourth budget, claiming that not only the public but even Congress leaders appear dissatisfied with it. Terming it “the most dull, directionless and anti-people budget in the state’s history,” Thakur said he had witnessed 29 budgets in his political career but had never seen such a “disappointing document.”

He alleged that the people of Himachal Pradesh feel let down, stating that the government has pushed the state “backwards from the path of development.” “For the first time, the state is witnessing a government that believes in taking away from people rather than giving to them,” he remarked, accusing the government of shutting down over 2,000 institutions and now burdening citizens through reduced welfare provisions and salary deferments.

Thakur also questioned Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu’s conduct during the budget presentation, alleging arrogance and claiming that the Chief Minister sidelined administrative officers while taking full credit for the budget. He further stated that most development announcements in the budget rely heavily on central government schemes, asking what the state government’s own contribution is.

Expressing concern over the state’s financial condition, Thakur said employees across levels are disheartened due to delayed salaries, which he termed a result of “irrational financial decisions.” He accused the government of exhausting the treasury on “populist measures” and now attempting to recover by deferring salaries.

The Leader of Opposition also alleged that the government has merely rebranded central schemes instead of introducing original initiatives, calling it a “deception” of the public. He added that increased taxes, stricter conditions on pre-poll promises like free electricity and financial aid to women, and rising utility bills have added to the burden on common people.

He concluded that the budget is “hollow and misleading,” claiming that no section of society appears satisfied and that the government is resorting to rhetoric to mask its failures.