Shimla, June 16
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu’s Principal Media Advisor, Naresh Chauhan, launched a sharp attack on Union Minister J.P. Nadda and the Bharatiya Janata Party, alleging that BJP leaders failed to effectively advocate for Himachal Pradesh’s interests at the Centre.
Describing Nadda’s recent remarks during his Himachal visit as politically motivated, Chauhan said the welfare and rights of the state should have been given greater priority. He also targeted Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur, holding the previous BJP government responsible for the state’s weakened financial position, blaming it for what he termed financial mismanagement.
Chauhan said the Revenue Deficit Grant (RDG) has been provided to Himachal Pradesh since the state’s formation to help it remain competitive with other states in terms of development. He alleged that BJP leaders failed to fight for the state’s rightful share and interests before the Centre.
Criticizing Jai Ram Thakur, Chauhan said the former chief minister should have joined efforts with the state government and other leaders in raising Himachal’s concerns in New Delhi. He claimed that during Jai Ram Thakur’s tenure, Himachal received more than ₹40,000 crore through RDG and loans, but financial mismanagement weakened the state’s economy.
Chauhan further alleged that the Centre did not provide any special package to Himachal Pradesh. Referring to the 2023 natural disaster, he said the state government had submitted an assessment of losses worth ₹10,000 crore, but received only ₹2,000 crore in assistance after two years.
He also accused J.P. Nadda of avoiding questions related to the Old Pension Scheme (OPS). Commenting on the BJP-led Centre’s celebrations marking 12 years in office, Chauhan said inflation remains one of the country’s biggest concerns while the government is focused on celebrations.
He added that the BJP’s silence on issues such as NEET raises questions and claimed that the “double-engine government” model had failed in Himachal Pradesh. Chauhan said both central and state welfare schemes are funded through taxpayers’ money and asked the BJP to clarify what special package or additional benefits it had secured for Himachal Pradesh.
