Union Budget 2026–27 Ignores Disaster-Hit Himachal, Says Congress spokesperson Vijay Kanav.
Shimla:
The Union Budget 2026–27 has triggered a sharp political reaction in Himachal Pradesh, with the district Congress committee in Mandi accusing the Centre of neglecting the disaster-hit hill state. Advocate Vijay Kanav, spokesperson of the District Congress Committee, questioned the Central government’s priorities and the silence of the state’s Members of Parliament, saying the budget fails to address the ground realities faced by Himachal Pradesh.
In a strongly worded statement, Kanav said that while the Centre continues to project the vision of “Developed India 2047,” the immediate and pressing needs of states like Himachal Pradesh have been ignored. He pointed out that the state has been grappling with the aftermath of severe natural disasters, including heavy rainfall, landslides, and floods over the past year.
Referring specifically to the Mandi parliamentary constituency, Kanav said the region suffered extensive damage. Roads were washed away, bridges collapsed, drinking water schemes were destroyed, and the livelihoods of thousands of families were severely affected. “Despite such massive devastation, the Union Budget has not announced any special disaster relief package for Himachal Pradesh,” he alleged.
Kanav recalled that Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu had raised several demands before the presentation of the budget. These included the introduction of a Green Bonus or Green Fund for hill states, an increase in revenue deficit grants, and special financial assistance to tackle natural disasters. “Himachal Pradesh plays a crucial role in environmental conservation and provides water resources to much of North India. Yet, it has not been given financial support commensurate with its contribution,” he said.
The Congress spokesperson also questioned the role of MPs from four parliamentary constituencies of Himachal Pradesh. He said that during times of disaster, people expected their elected Representatives to strongly raise the state’s concerns in Parliament. “However, their voices were not heard effectively. People are now asking whether MPs were elected only to win elections, or to represent public suffering and raise it at the national level,” Kanav remarked.
Concluding his statement, Kanav urged the Central government to announce a special disaster relief package for Himachal Pradesh, along with provisions for a Green Bonus and additional financial assistance. He said such measures are essential to ensure speedy reconstruction in disaster-affected areas and to provide much-needed relief to affected families.
