Yog Raj Sharma
The North News
Shimla, February 6
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Friday has strongly countered BJP’s criticism, urging the party to press for the restoration of the Revenue Deficit Grant (RDG) with the Governor and Prime Minister.
Sukhu said the state’s financial condition has worsened since the RDG was discontinued — the first time since Independence. He added that once the situation improves, the government will reinstate MLA and discretionary funds. The Chief Minister accused BJP legislators of spreading misinformation instead of addressing facts. He announced a special session of the Assembly to inform citizens about what the Centre has provided Himachal over the past decade.
Calling 1 February a “black day” for the state, Sukhu insisted his government had presented a strong case before the 16th Finance Commission and the Union Finance Minister. He invited BJP leaders to join him in Delhi to advocate for Himachal’s interests with the Prime Minister, stressing that cooperation was essential to restore the RDG.
