Shimla | February 16, 2026
Former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur on Sunday launched a sharp attack on the state government, accusing the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu-led administration of disrupting established traditions and indulging in “politics over governance.”
Addressing the media from his Assembly office in Shimla, Thakur alleged that the government has “torn apart all systems and decorum” in the name of change. He claimed that even during the Budget Session, there was confusion over procedures and schedule, breaking long-standing legislative traditions such as discussions on the Governor’s address.
Thakur accused the state government of shifting blame onto the Centre and previous governments instead of taking responsibility. “The government believes in repeating lies with confidence rather than working in public interest,” he said.
Centre’s Support to Himachal
Praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Thakur stated that Himachal Pradesh has received unprecedented financial assistance since 2014. He claimed that during the two tenures of the UPA government under former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Himachal received ₹18,000 crore as Revenue Deficit Grant (RDG). In contrast, he said, the Modi government provided ₹78,000 crore under RDG alone.
He further added that the Centre extended significant financial support through grants-in-aid amounting to ₹1.42 lakh crore and ₹60,000 crore as tax share—several times higher than during the UPA regime. Calling allegations of non-cooperation by the Centre “absurd,” Thakur said Himachal remains among the highest recipients of RDG.
Criticism Over Financial Management
The BJP leader accused the Sukhu government of failing to present a strong and reasoned case before the Finance Commission and instead focusing on political rhetoric against the Centre. He claimed that such an approach has harmed the state’s financial interests.
Thakur alleged that the state government has accumulated ₹45,000 crore in loans over three years while claiming poor financial health. He also questioned alleged inconsistencies between statements made by the Chief Minister and the Finance Secretary regarding the state’s fiscal condition.
Referring to welfare schemes like Himcare and Shagun, Thakur criticized the government for reportedly discontinuing benefits after promising to make Himachal self-reliant by 2027 and the most prosperous state by 2032.
He concluded by urging the Chief Minister to “rise above petty politics” and work as a responsible leader for the state’s development.
