The Himachal Pradesh assembly on Saturday witnessed a heated exchange between the ruling Congress and the opposition BJP over the allocation of projects under the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD). While the opposition accused the government of favouring Congress-held constituencies, chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu maintained that funds were being distributed for “balanced development”.
Leader of opposition (LoP) Jai Ram Thakur accused the state government of working with “political vendetta”. He said while the state frequently alleges discrimination by the Centre, Himachal has received nearly ₹47,519 crore in central assistance over the past three years.
Jai Ram alleged that central funds were selectively channelled to Congress MLAs, citing the CM’s home constituency, Nadaun, which received 11 schemes. “The government’s own reply proves the Centre is providing adequate support. The Congress is making baseless allegations regarding a lack of aid,” Jai Ram said.
Nachan BJP MLA Vinod Kumar and Paonta Sahib MLA Sukhram Chaudhary also alleged that their constituencies were being overlooked despite available project limits. Chaudhary claimed that proposals for his segment remained unapproved despite a ₹70 crore limit.
Equitable growth, says CM
{{/usCountry}}Equitable growth, says CM
{{/usCountry}}Refuting the charges, CM Sukhu said that most central funds arrive through centrally sponsored schemes (CSS) and are distributed fairly. He countered the bias charge by pointing out that ₹78 crore was approved for Jaswan-Pragpur and ₹38 crore for Balh, both constituencies represented by BJP legislators.
Sukhu lashed out at the previous BJP regime, alleging that development was previously restricted to Dharampur and Seraj (Thakur’s constituency). “Our priority is equitable development. There would be no shortage of funds if the BJP stopped lobbying in Delhi to obstruct the state’s budget,” the CM said.
He clarified that infrastructure projects, including those under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), are distributed without discrimination. Sukhu announced that the state proposes to enhance the NABARD funding ceiling for MLAs from ₹200 crore to ₹225 crore to expand rural development.
Clash over Himcare continues
Debate on the HImcare continued between Congress and BJP, with Jai Ram ram objecting to the statement by CM Sukhu.
The BJP leader asserted that the CM’s facts regarding the Himcare scheme are inaccurate, specifically addressing the issue of bills related to “hysterectomies performed on men.”
He said that the medicines in question are actually used in the treatment of cancer patients and added that investigation into the matter revealed these medications had indeed been utilized for the treatment of patients suffering from cancer.
He further alleged that the information being provided by the CM’s health advisor is incorrect.
Himachal has 15-day stock of petrol, diesel; no shortage of LPG: CM Sukhu
Amid ongoing conflict in the Middle East and the resulting global energy concerns, chief minister (CM) Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Saturday said that Himachal currently has a petrol and diesel stock sufficient for about 15 days.
Sukhu was speaking to the mediapersons on the sidelines of the ongoing Budget session on Saturday. He said, “There is no immediate shortage of fuel or domestic LPG in the state, early signs of strain are visible, particularly in the availability of commercial gas cylinders. We have petrol and diesel stock for around 15 days. However, the impact of the global situation may be seen in the coming days.”
He added that the chief secretary has been directed to closely monitor the situation on a daily basis. “The chief secretary is reviewing the situation every day to ensure there is no disruption. As of now, there is no crisis, but complaints are being received regarding non-availability of commercial LPG cylinders in some areas,” he said.