Himachal Pradesh Revenue, Horticulture, and Tribal Development Minister Jagat Singh Negi has accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of working against the interests of the hill state and asserted that the ruling Congress party is ready to secure a victory in the upcoming Rajya Sabha election. Negi made the remarks following a meeting with senior Congress leaders, including Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, in New Delhi.

BJP’s Role in Revenue Deficit Grant Dispute

Negi alleged that the BJP has not supported Himachal Pradesh’s demand for the continuation of the Revenue Deficit Grant (RDG), a financial assistance mechanism designed to bridge the gap between the state’s revenue and expenditure. He cited a previous Assembly resolution seeking the continuation of the grant, which the BJP allegedly backed out of.

“The BJP is not working in Himachal Pradesh’s interest. Earlier too, when we passed a resolution in the Assembly seeking continuation of the Revenue Deficit Grant, the BJP backed out. Why did they betray the people of Himachal?” Negi said during an interaction with ANI.

The minister expressed frustration over the central government’s handling of the RDG, accusing it of adopting “unconstitutional methods” in dealing with the grant. He emphasized that the Constitution provides for financial support to smaller deficit states like Himachal Pradesh until the revenue-expenditure gap is bridged.

Political Strategy and Rajya Sabha Contest

Negi expressed confidence in the Congress party’s chances of winning the Rajya Sabha election, citing the party’s numerical strength. He claimed that the party’s high command would decide the candidate, but he expressed certainty that the Congress would secure victory in one of the seats.

“We have the numbers. Our candidate will win 100%,” Negi said. However, he warned that if the BJP were to resort to “money power or other means,” the outcome could be uncertain. Despite this, he remained confident that the Congress would emerge victorious.

He also raised concerns about the central government’s intentions, suggesting that the administration aims to weaken smaller states. Negi pointed to the conversion of Jammu and Kashmir into a Union Territory as an example of such a strategy, claiming it poses a threat to the unity and integrity of the country.

State Reforms and Central Obstacles

Negi highlighted the state’s efforts to implement reforms and mobilize resources, including the imposition of a water cess. However, he alleged that the central government has obstructed these initiatives. He noted that states like Uttarakhand and Jammu and Kashmir were allowed to impose similar cesses, but Himachal Pradesh faced resistance.

“Himachal was stopped because they want the state government to fall,” Negi claimed. He argued that the central government’s actions are aimed at undermining the state’s autonomy and governance.

Additionally, Negi criticized the conduct of authorities during a recent AI summit in Delhi, describing the event as “drama” and accusing the police of high-handedness during a peaceful protest at Himachal Sadan. He noted that even when senior ministers and the Chief Minister were present, the police entered the venue without proper protocol.

Welcoming a Supreme Court stay on tree-felling directions in Himachal Pradesh, Negi said the decision provided relief to orchardists. He mentioned that some High Court orders had directed the cutting of orchards and the demolition of structures, and that the state had been asked to frame a policy and present it to the competent authority.

As the Rajya Sabha election approaches, the political dynamics in Himachal Pradesh are set to be closely watched, with the Congress party aiming to use its numerical strength to secure a victory. The outcome of the election may have broader implications for the state’s political landscape and its relationship with the central government.