In a sharp political confrontation, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has launched a scathing attack on the ruling Congress party in Himachal Pradesh for its opposition to the Union Budget, despite the state receiving substantially enhanced support from the Centre. The BJP's criticism came during a press conference addressed by Himachal Pradesh BJP media in-charge and MLA Randhir Sharma, who accused the Congress of maintaining a negative agenda throughout its tenure.
Congress Accused of Hiding Fiscal Facts
Randhir Sharma lambasted Congress leaders, including Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, for allegedly claiming that Himachal Pradesh received no assistance from the central government. He countered these assertions by highlighting that the state is now benefiting from manifold support compared to previous years, a fact he says the Congress has deliberately concealed.
Substantial Increase in Tax Devolution
Sharma provided concrete data to back his claims, emphasising that Himachal's tax devolution has surged to Rs 13,949 crore in the current fiscal year. This marks a significant increase of Rs 2,500 crore from the previous year, underscoring a consistent upward trend in the state's share of central taxes over recent years. He argued that this financial boost reflects the BJP-led central government's commitment to supporting Himachal's development.
Union Budget: A Reform-Oriented Blueprint
Describing the Union Budget as reform-oriented and forward-looking, Sharma praised its departure from traditional populist announcements. He asserted that this budget is strategically designed to play a pivotal role in positioning India as the world's third-largest economic power, showcasing the government's vision for long-term growth and stability.
Resilience Amid Global Challenges
Sharma also addressed the broader economic context, noting that despite facing global headwinds such as economic instability, potential tariff hikes by the United States, and China's restrictions on rare-earth material supply, India has presented a strong and resilient budget. He credited this achievement to the robust economic policies implemented under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership.
India's Economic Leap Under Modi
Highlighting India's economic progress, Sharma pointed out that the country has leapfrogged from being the 11th largest economy before 2014 to the 4th largest economy today. This remarkable growth, he argued, is a testament to the effective governance and strategic initiatives of the Modi administration, which have bolstered India's global standing and economic resilience.
In conclusion, the BJP's stance underscores a deepening political rift in Himachal Pradesh, with the party leveraging fiscal data to challenge the Congress's narrative and advocate for the Union Budget's benefits to the state.
