Yog Raj Sharma
The North News
Shimla, February 10
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has left for New Delhi amid continuing political debate over the discontinuation of Revenue Deficit Grants (RDG). Sukhu has sought an appointment with Union Health Minister and BJP president JP Nadda to discuss the RDG issue. During his visit, he is also scheduled to attend a meeting convened by the All India Congress Committee to discuss organisational expansion.
Speaking before his departure, the chief minister criticised the BJP and leader of the opposition Jairam Thakur, saying the RDG issue should be raised with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the interest of the state rather than used for political gain. He accused Thakur of focusing on power politics instead of Himachal Pradesh’s interests.
Sukhu also rejected claims that Thakur had not been formally invited to a finance department presentation, saying he had personally written to him. He alleged that the previous BJP government had received substantial financial support, including ₹54,000 crore in RDG and ₹16,000 crore in GST compensation, but left behind significant liabilities due to financial mismanagement.
The chief minister said the current Congress government had increased state revenue by ₹3,800 crore and would take firm decisions to ensure development projects continue without affecting salaries and pensions of employees and retirees. He added that the state government would continue to press its case on RDG with the central government.
