Himachal Pradesh's Revenue Crisis: A Call for Unity Beyond Politics

Naresh Chauhan, Principal Media Adviser to Himachal Pradesh's Chief Minister, urged BJP leaders to express their stance on the revenue deficit grant's discontinuation. He warned that its withdrawal would critically impact the state's development. Chauhan emphasized bipartisan unity to tackle the financial crisis and criticized misleading information regarding the state's finances.

The Principal Media Adviser to the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Naresh Chauhan, on Tuesday issued a call for clarity from BJP MPs and leaders on their position regarding the cessation of the revenue deficit grant. Chauhan described the potential withdrawal as a 'grave injustice' to hill states, highlighting that since Independence, Finance Commissions have accounted for the unique geographical challenges faced by these regions, implementing revenue deficit grants to foster development.

Chauhan issued a stark warning about the potential financial blow if the grant is discontinued, estimating a colossal loss of ₹40,000 to ₹50,000 crore for Himachal Pradesh. He stressed the urgency of communal effort, urging all segments of society to rally for the state's rights. 'This fight is not just of the government. Everyone must come forward to protect the rights of the state,' he asserted.

Chauhan noted that Chief Minister Thakur Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu had advocated fervently for the state at the 16th Finance Commission with hopes of securing an enhanced grant. He also accused BJP MP Anurag Thakur of disseminating misleading information about the state's financial situation, asserting that central government retains significant tax revenue before disbursement. Chauhan criticized the former BJP government's financial management, pointing to liabilities exceeding ₹12,000 crore. He called for unity above partisanship, urging BJP support in seeking restoration of the grant to navigate the financial crisis.

(With inputs from agencies.)