Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu Slams BJP Walkout from All-Party Meet, Says Party in Dilemma Over RDG.
Shimla:
An All-Party Meeting convened under the chairmanship of Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Friday witnessed sharp political exchanges after leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) walked out midway. The meeting was called to deliberate on the likely impact of the proposed discontinuation of the Revenue Deficit Grant (RDG) in the recommendations of the Finance Commission.
Addressing mediapersons after the meeting, the Chief Minister described the BJP’s walkout as “highly condemnable” and accused the party of failing to clarify its stand on the crucial issue affecting the State’s financial stability. He said the discontinuation of RDG would have serious repercussions on the State’s economy and termed the matter one of utmost importance.
‘Matter of State’s Rights’
Sukhu stated that RDG is a constitutional provision under Article 275(1), designed to bridge the gap between revenue and expenditure of States — a mechanism in place since 1952. He emphasized that safeguarding RDG was not about any particular government but about protecting the rights of the people of Himachal Pradesh.
“The BJP leaders appeared to be in a dilemma and failed to clearly present their stand before the people,” he remarked, adding that although the BJP may internally disagree with the withdrawal of RDG, it lacked the courage to take a firm position.
He alleged that BJP leaders attended the meeting under public pressure and left midway to politicize the issue rather than engage in constructive dialogue.
Support from Other Parties
The Chief Minister noted that apart from the ruling Indian National Congress, parties including the Communist Party of India (Marxist), Aam Aadmi Party, and Bahujan Samaj Party extended unconditional support to the State Government on the issue. He added that these parties have also expressed willingness to meet the Prime Minister to press for reinstatement of the RDG.
Referring to Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur, Sukhu said it appeared the BJP was not prepared to stand firmly for the State’s rights.
Financial Figures Highlighted
Highlighting financial data, the Chief Minister stated that the previous BJP government had received Rs. 54,000 crore as RDG and Rs. 16,000 crore as GST compensation during its tenure. In contrast, he said, the present government has received only Rs. 17,000 crore as RDG so far.
Despite the reduced assistance, he asserted that the State Government, through fiscal prudence and due diligence, is steadily working toward making Himachal Pradesh self-reliant.
Reference to 2023 Disaster
The Chief Minister also referred to the 2023 disaster in the State, alleging that the BJP had walked out even when a resolution was brought seeking a special package from the Union Government for disaster-affected families. “The people are observing the anti-Himachal attitude of the BJP and will not forgive them,” he said.
“Governments may come and go, but safeguarding the rights of the people must remain paramount,” Sukhu added.
Other Leaders Criticize BJP
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan and Congress National Spokesperson Kuldeep Singh Rathore also criticized the BJP for leaving the meeting midway.
Former MLA Rakesh Singha emphasized the need for consensus to address the hardships faced by the people and protect the State’s interests.
Dr. Rajesh Chanana, representing the Aam Aadmi Party, underlined the need for adequate financial assistance from the Centre, stating that the State has limited resources of its own. He submitted a party resolution supporting the demand for reinstating RDG.
The BSP representative stressed that the State must collectively raise its voice for its rights, noting that after the COVID-19 crisis, Himachal Pradesh has faced two major disasters in the last three years, further straining its financial resources.
The meeting concluded with participating parties reiterating the need for a united stand to safeguard the State’s fiscal interests amid concerns over the possible withdrawal of the Revenue Deficit Grant.
