HP's political blame game: are BJP MPs failing to champion the state's cause? -

Shimla, July 13

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The political confrontation between the Congress government in Himachal Pradesh and the BJP’s four Lok Sabha Members of Parliament has intensified following Mandi MP Kangana Ranaut’s allegation that funds under the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) were not being utilised.

Within days, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu mounted a strong counterattack, shifting the debate from MPLADS to what he described as the BJP MPs’ failure to effectively represent Himachal Pradesh before the Union Government.

Responding to the allegations, the Chief Minister questioned the role played by BJP MPs Kangana Ranaut, Anurag Thakur, Suresh Kashyap and Rajiv Bhardwaj during the state’s repeated natural disasters.

According to Sukhu, the four parliamentarians have not adequately raised Himachal Pradesh’s concerns in Parliament or before the Union Government, particularly regarding the financial assistance sought after the devastating monsoon disasters.

The Congress government has repeatedly maintained that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced a special financial package of around Rs 1,500 crore for Himachal Pradesh after the 2023 disaster, but the amount has not been released.

Sukhu argued that it was the responsibility of BJP MPs, who belong to the ruling party at the Centre, to pursue the matter and ensure that the promised assistance reached the state.

He contended that elected representatives owe their primary responsibility to the people of Himachal Pradesh rather than to their political party.

The Chief Minister further alleged that the BJP MPs have remained largely absent from the state’s major public issues, especially during times of crisis.

According to him, their inability to secure greater financial support from the Centre has weakened their claim of effectively representing Himachal Pradesh in New Delhi.

The controversy also follows remarks made by Union Minister and BJP national president J.P. Nadda during his recent visit to the state.

Nadda had stated that the Centre was reluctant to release certain funds because it lacked confidence that the Congress government would utilise them properly for the intended beneficiaries.

The BJP has consistently accused the state government of financial mismanagement and has questioned its handling of central assistance.

The Congress government rejects this charge, asserting that it has been financing disaster relief and rehabilitation largely from its own resources while coping with severe financial stress.

The Sukhu government has repeatedly claimed that it inherited nearly Rs 10,000 crore in pending employee liabilities from the previous BJP government, despite large-scale borrowings and expansion of government institutions during the BJP’s tenure.

The state’s difficult financial position has become increasingly visible. The government has withdrawn or reduced several subsidies, revised electricity, water, garbage collection and public transport charges, and delayed payment of certain employee dues.

Congress leaders argue that these measures have become necessary because of declining fiscal support from the Centre, including reductions in the Revenue Deficit Grant, while accusing the Union Government of adopting a discriminatory approach towards opposition-ruled states.

The latest exchange reflects a broader political battle over responsibility for Himachal Pradesh’s financial challenges. While the Congress seeks to portray BJP MPs as ineffective in securing the state’s interests before the Union Government.

Ultimately, the effectiveness state’s representatives in Parliament is likely to be judged by whether Himachal Pradesh receives timely financial support, accelerates disaster rehabilitation, and restores fiscal stability.

It is worthwhile to mention that Congress Government in Himachal Pradesh time and again targeting BJP Government in center for step motherly treatment accusing it for unleashing politics of vendata against people for voting for Congress.