The political climate in Shimla has intensified as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) launched a scathing attack on the ruling Congress government. BJP co-incharge Sanjay Tandon alleged on Wednesday that the administration is using the Centre as a scapegoat to mask the deepening Himachal Pradesh fiscal crisis and its inability to manage state resources.
The debate over Himachal’s financial health has shifted from policy discussions to a full-blown political confrontation. Speaking to the media in the state capital, Sanjay Tandon claimed that the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu-led government is deliberately misleading the public regarding the Revenue Deficit Grant (RDG).
Understanding the Revenue Deficit Grant Dispute
Tandon pointed out that the phased reduction of the RDG was not a sudden decision by the Union Government but a pre-determined fiscal roadmap. He argued that the state government was well aware of these scheduled changes but failed to prepare.
Instead of diversifying revenue streams, the BJP leader alleged that the state administration remained stagnant. This lack of foresight, according to the opposition, has contributed significantly to the current Himachal Pradesh fiscal crisis, leaving the state struggling with mounting liabilities.
Comparison with Uttarakhand’s Financial Model
A key highlight of Tandon’s critique was the comparison between Himachal Pradesh and its neighbor, Uttarakhand. Despite sharing similar Himalayan topography and logistical challenges, Tandon noted that Uttarakhand has maintained a more stable economic trajectory.
He attributed this difference to “financial discipline,” suggesting that while Uttarakhand focused on growth-oriented expenditure, Himachal has spiraled into a cycle of debt. The BJP maintains that mismanagement, rather than a lack of Central support, is the root cause of the state’s economic woes.
Rising Expenditure and Administrative Appointments
One of the most specific allegations leveled against the Congress government involves the appointment of several Officers on Special Duty (OSDs) and political advisers. Tandon argued that these appointments have unnecessarily burdened the state exchequer.
“While the common citizen is worried about inflation and development, the government is busy expanding its administrative entourage,” Tandon remarked. He suggested that fiscal prudence should have started with cutting down such overheads rather than requesting more grants from the Union.
Union Budget 2026: A Vision for Development
Shifting focus to national policy, Tandon lauded the Union Budget 2026, describing it as a “revolutionary” document. He emphasized that the budget focuses on infrastructure and capital expenditure, which serves as a blueprint for ‘Viksit Bharat 2047.’
According to the BJP co-incharge, the Central government’s model is one of empowerment and long-term asset creation. He contrasted this with the state government’s approach, which he characterized as a “politics of blame” that hinders local progress.
The Road Ahead for Himachal’s Economy
The escalating debt in Himachal Pradesh remains a concern for economists and policymakers alike. With the state’s borrowing limits and the reduction in RDG, the administration faces the uphill task of balancing social welfare schemes with fiscal responsibility.
Tandon reiterated that the Centre remains committed to the state’s development, but emphasized that the state must take accountability for its internal financial decisions. The BJP has called for a white paper or a clear roadmap on how the government intends to curb the deficit without relying solely on Central intervention.
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