Himachal CM Sukhvinder Sukhu says don’t politicise RDG issue; seeks BJP leaders’ support

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today said the special session of the Vidhan Sabha is being convened to let the people of Himachal know the truth about the entire issue of discontinuation of revenue deficit grant (RDG).

Talking to mediapersons here, Sukhu hit out at the BJP for politicising the issue of discontinuation of RDG and not supporting Himachal’s demand. He said the issue of discontinuation of RDG and its implications would be discussed during the session.

“The BJP should clarify its stand and not try to politicise the issue. Will they meet the PM with us to seek continuation of the RDG despite the recommendation of the 16th Finance Commission to stop it for 17 states,” Sukhu asked. The RDG grant is being discontinued after 72 years, he added.

The CM said BJP legislators, instead of marching to the Raj Bhawan, should approach Prime Minister Narendra Modi to not discontinue the revenue deficit grant. The Central Government is yet to accept this and the BJP must help the state by taking up the issue with the Prime Minister as he has to take the final call.

He said Himachal would suffer a loss of Rs 50,000 crore between 2026-31 which it would have got in case RDG would have continued. “Even if we accept BJP’s accusation that our government failed to plead Himachal’s case properly before the Finance Commission, then let the BJP clarify if it will accompany me and my ministers before PM Modi to seek continuation of RDG,” he said. He said parameters for fund allocation for hill states by the Centre must be different than other states.

All-party meet tomorrow

The state government has convened an all-party meeting on February 8 to discuss the implications over the 16th Finance Commission recommendation of discontinuing RDG to Himachal.

The all-party meeting will be held here after the Cabinet meeting on Sunday. Sources said apart from all Congress and BJP leaders, including MLAs, representatives from other political parties like CPM are likely to attend the meeting. The Finance Department will make a presentation on the state’s finances and the difficult road ahead.