Himachal Pradesh MP Criticizes State Governments Financial Claims Against Central Support

Lahaul-Spiti, September 14 (Daily Kiran) : In Lahaul-Spiti, BJP Rajya Sabha MP Sikander Kumar has responded sharply to the ongoing political tussle over financial assistance between the central and state governments in Himachal Pradesh. He asserted that the central government has approved projects worth over ₹1 lakh crore in the state over the past decade.

The Congress-led state government has been vocal about insufficient financial aid from the central government. Addressing this issue, Kumar remarked that it has been a longstanding topic, raised nearly a year ago.

“If the central government withdraws its support, the state government would be unable to function for even a day,” he stated. He challenged critics to identify any instance where the central government failed to assist the state, including during disasters that have impacted Himachal Pradesh.

Kumar highlighted the transformative developments in the state over the last ten years, attributing much of this progress to central initiatives. “In the past decade, the central government has approved projects exceeding ₹1 lakh crore. It has significantly altered the landscape and development trajectory of Himachal Pradesh,” he noted.

He elaborated on the various sectors benefiting from central cooperation, including infrastructure, health, and education. “Look at road and railway infrastructure, health services, and education. Unprecedented and unimaginable progress has been made across these sectors in the last ten years. We should be grateful to the central government,” he emphasized.

Targeting the Congress party, Kumar questioned the lack of projects during their long tenure in power. “I want to ask, during the 35 years Congress ruled in the state and 55 to 60 years at the center, can anyone name a single project worth ₹1,000 that the then Congress government funded for the state?” he inquired.

Kumar concluded by stating that the central government has consistently supported Himachal during times of disaster, whether through economic packages or relief materials. He urged the state government to express gratitude for the central assistance rather than making accusations.