Shimla, March 17,
In a critique of the Himachal Pradesh government’s Budget Estimates for 2025-26, Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur labeled it as a “complete disappointment” devoid of vision or substance. Addressing journalists in Shimla, Thakur highlighted the stagnation in the budget size—an unprecedented event in the state’s history—and accused the current administration of relying solely on central government schemes to drive development.
Also read:Himachal Pradesh budget 2025-26: No new taxes, Focus on farmers, jobs, and tourism/
For the first time, the state budget has seen no significant increase compared to the previous full budget, with a meager rise of just ₹71 crore, or 0.12%. Thakur pointed out that infrastructure development, a critical pillar of growth, has been sidelined, with only 24% of the budget allocated to such projects. “From 2018-19 to 2022-23, per ₹100 of the budget, development spending ranged between ₹38 and ₹43.94. Under this government, it’s dropped to a shocking ₹24,” he remarked, underscoring the administration’s neglect of progress.
Thakur further criticized the budget for lacking originality, alleging it masks facts while attempting to take credit for central schemes. “This budget will be remembered for hiding the truth and piggybacking on the Centre’s initiatives,” he said. He emphasized that no major state-led projects or funding for infrastructure were outlined, leaving Himachal’s development dependent on external support.
Flagship schemes: More hype than help
The opposition leader took aim at Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu’s flagship schemes, calling them hollow promises named after the Gandhi family. He listed four initiatives—Indira Gandhi Sukh Shiksha Yojana (₹1.5 crore spent), Indira Gandhi Pyari Behna Sukh Samman Nidhi Yojana (₹21.93 crore), Sukhashray Yojana (₹11.35 crore), and Rajiv Gandhi Startup Yojana (₹2.91 crore)—noting that their combined expenditure totals just ₹37.7 crore. “The government spent more on advertising these schemes than on the beneficiaries,” Thakur quipped, adding that pre-existing programs like the Mother Teresa Matru Sambal Yojana were scrapped, and central funds diverted to prop up these initiatives.
He also flagged a controversial move to raise the age limit for the Pyari Behna scheme from 18 to 21, calling it a deliberate “conspiracy” to limit its reach.
A Government of “Lies and Inaction”
Thakur accused the government of losing public trust through deceit and inaction. “They know only how to lie. This budget is a masterclass in vague promises and unfulfilled announcements from previous years,” he said. He cited stalled projects and a lack of concrete plans, branding the budget “anti-development” and a betrayal of the common man’s hopes.
BJP protests law and order collapse
Beyond the budget, Thakur led BJP MLAs in a protest at the Vidhan Sabha premises against the state’s deteriorating law and order situation. He condemned rising gang wars and shootings—unheard of in Himachal’s peaceful history—and urged stringent action against perpetrators. “Hiring shooters to fire bullets isn’t our tradition. The government must act decisively,” he demanded. He also raised concerns over reports of Khalistani flags appearing in the state and attacks on locals who opposed them, calling it “shameful” and pressing for tough measures.
Thakur didn’t spare the government’s priorities, mocking their focus on trivial FIRs over chickens and samosas while allegedly using the CID to spy on political rivals. “The Chief Minister should focus on law and order, not petty distractions,” he said.
A Budget without a roadmap
The BJP has dismissed the 2025-26 budget as a “hopeless, visionless document” that fails to address Himachal’s pressing needs. With no clear roadmap for growth and an over-reliance on central schemes, Thakur warned that the state’s future hangs in the balance under this administration. “The people deserve better than this,” he concluded.
