Congress slams BJP over revenue deficit grant, urges clear stand

Shimla: Himachal Pradesh Congress leaders on Wednesday urged the BJP to stop misleading the public and clarify its stance on the crucial revenue deficit grant (RDG).Agriculture minister Chaudhary Chander Kumar and education minister Rohit Thakur hit out at leader of the opposition Jai Ram Thakur, emphasising that RDG is a constitutional right under Article 275(1), and its discontinuation could cost the state around Rs 10,000 crore annually. The ministers criticised Thakur for citing externally aided projects (EAPs) as substitutes for RDG, pointing out that EAPs are loans, not grants, unlike RDG, which is a constitutional entitlement. In a press statement, they accused the BJP of playing political games over issues central to Himachal Pradesh's interests, asserting that the people of the state would not be swayed by such tactics.The cabinet ministers also pointed out that, despite public pressure prompting Thakur to meet the Union finance minister, he failed to secure concrete assurances for the restoration of RDG. "He did not represent Himachal's rights firmly before the central leadership," they said.Highlighting Thakur's previous support for RDG before the 15th and 16th Finance Commissions, the ministers expressed surprise at his current contradictory position, calling it incomprehensible to the people. They stressed that no BJP leader voiced support for restoring the grant so far. The ministers reiterated their commitment to defending Himachal Pradesh's rights and promised to raise the issue on every possible platform. "We will not compromise on the state's constitutional entitlements," they said, asserting that RDG is essential for the state's economic stability and development. MSID:: 128781262 413 |