BJP Critiques Himachal Pradesh Budget as Empty Promises

Trilok Kapoor, a senior BJP spokesperson, has sharply criticized the Himachal Pradesh government's latest budget, describing it as a collection of empty promises and a significant governance failure. He highlights the budget's reduction from last year and questions the feasibility of development projects under such constraints. Kapoor also targets the government's free electricity initiative, claiming it fails to benefit the poorest families. He accuses the budget of burdening the underprivileged with increased costs and alleges regional favoritism. This critique raises important questions about the government's commitment to inclusive development.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 24, 2026, 22:02 IST

BJP's Strong Opposition to State Budget

TNR News Network
Dharamshala

Trilok Kapoor, a senior spokesperson for the BJP, has launched a fierce critique of the recently unveiled budget by the Sukhu administration, labeling it as merely 'a collection of contradictions' and 'headlines lacking depth.' He contended that the budget is fundamentally flawed and will be remembered as a significant governance failure.

Kapoor emphasized that, for the first time in Himachal Pradesh's history, there has been a regression in development. He noted that last year's budget was ₹58,514 crore, while this year's allocation has dropped to ₹54,928 crore. He stated, 'The reduction in the budget is clear evidence of administrative incompetence. With decreased funding, how can development initiatives progress? This budget leads the state towards decline rather than advancement,' describing it as 'a pot of empty rhetoric.'

Criticism of Free Electricity Initiative

He mocked the government's promise of 300 units of free electricity, referring to it as 'a pot without oil.' Kapoor argued that the poorest families, who primarily use electricity for basic lighting, cannot utilize 300 units. 'They were already benefiting from the BJP's previous 125-unit scheme. Now, the Congress has slashed the number of eligible below-poverty-line families by 70%. Claiming one lakh families in the budget is nothing but a blatant falsehood,' he asserted.

Budget Burdens the Underprivileged

Kapoor accused the administration of taking advantage of the impoverished, stating, 'This budget drains the resources of the poor.' He criticized the proposed cess of up to ₹5 on diesel and petrol, along with a ₹10 increase in milk prices, calling it a 'double whammy of inflation.' He pointed out that while the government claims to raise honorariums for Anganwadi and ASHA workers by ₹500, the increase in fuel and milk costs effectively robs them of ₹1,200 monthly. 'Any VAT increase, regardless of its name, ultimately burdens the common citizen,' he remarked.

Claims of Regional Favoritism

Kapoor also alleged that the budget favors specific regions, referencing controversial comments made by the Assembly Speaker regarding Dehra and Nadaun. 'This budget does not cater to all of Himachal but rather to select constituencies. The disregard for other areas is apparent on every page,' he claimed.

Final Thoughts

Describing the budget as 'a document of statistical manipulation and deceit,' Kapoor concluded that it serves neither the common citizen nor the goal of inclusive development, but is merely a means to mislead the populace.