"BJP Presented Funding Facts, Objected to Unparliamentary Language Against Centre, Walked Out of All-Party Meeting"
Shimla — The Bharatiya Janata Party participated in the all-party meeting convened by the Himachal Pradesh Government at Hotel Peterhoff, Shimla, to discuss the financial situation arising after the discontinuation of Revenue Deficit Grant (RDG). The BJP delegation included State President Dr. Rajeev Bindal, Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur, MLAs Randhir Sharma, Vinod Kumar, Balbir Verma, Trilok Jamwal, and State Media Convenor Karan Nanda.
Presenting the party's position, BJP State President Dr. Rajeev Bindal stated that Himachal Pradesh's development is a shared responsibility of all political parties and BJP has always worked in the state's interest — both in government and in opposition. He said the Congress government, despite being in power for nearly 40 months with a full majority, is attempting to shift the blame for its financial mismanagement onto the Central Government and BJP through a planned political narrative.
Dr. Bindal clarified that the discontinuation of RDG is not a sudden decision but part of the structured recommendations of previous Finance Commissions, where it was clearly indicated that such grants would be reduced in phases and eventually discontinued. He said the state government should have prepared in advance by strengthening revenue generation, controlling non-essential expenditure, and improving fiscal discipline instead of creating panic now.
He placed detailed figures before the meeting, stating that Himachal Pradesh has received substantial central assistance across heads over the last three years. He noted that approximately ₹50,000 crore was received in 2022–23, about ₹43,000 crore in 2023–24, and around ₹35,000 crore in 2024–25/2025–26 under various components including tax devolution, centrally sponsored schemes, PMGSY, NABARD support, externally aided projects, and infrastructure funding.
Highlighting infrastructure growth, Dr. Bindal said that National Highway works worth roughly ₹44,000 crore are currently under execution in Himachal Pradesh, which is many times higher than comparable earlier periods. He added that railway expansion, tunnels, four-lane highways, and all-weather connectivity projects have significantly accelerated with central support. Railway project allocations have increased manifold compared to earlier years.
On industrial development, he rejected claims that central industrial packages did not benefit the state and said the major industrial push in Himachal began with the special package announced under former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. He added that new projects like the Bulk Drug Park are also central initiatives, and constant criticism of such projects harms the state's long-term economic prospects.
He further stated that tax devolution to the state has increased and is projected to rise further in coming years, supported by higher GST collections and central tax sharing formulas. Ignoring these facts and accusing the Centre of discrimination is misleading, he said.
During the meeting, the BJP delegation also strongly objected to the use of inappropriate and disrespectful language by certain speakers against the Central Government and the Prime Minister. BJP leaders stated that while political differences are natural in a democracy, dignity of language and respect for institutions must be maintained. Registering strong protest on this issue, the BJP delegation walked out of the meeting.
The party reiterated that it is ready for every constructive discussion in the larger interest of Himachal Pradesh, but one-sided blame games, distorted presentations, and politically motivated narratives cannot substitute responsible governance and financial management. BJP affirmed it will continue to raise public interest issues firmly and factually.
Bijender Sharma*, Press Correspondent Bohan Dehra Road JAWALAMUKHI-176031, Kangra HP(INDIA)*
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