Opposition Leader Critiques Himachal Budget as Uninspiring and Misguided

Former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jairam Thakur has launched a scathing critique of the state's latest budget, labeling it as uninspiring and detrimental to the public. He argues that the budget lacks originality and fails to gain the confidence of both citizens and Congress leaders. Thakur highlights concerns over the government's shift from welfare to an extraction-driven model, the reliance on central funding, and the adverse effects on public welfare. His remarks suggest a growing discontent within the ruling party, raising questions about the government's financial management and commitment to its promises. This critique sheds light on the political landscape in Himachal Pradesh and the challenges facing the current administration.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 22, 2026, 19:28 IST

LoP Criticizes Himachal Budget as Unfavorable and Directionless

In a strong political rebuttal, Jairam Thakur, the former Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh and current Leader of Opposition, expressed his discontent with the Sukhu administration's fourth budget on Sunday. He argued that the budget has not only failed to gain the public's trust but has also left the ruling Congress party feeling uncertain.

Thakur described the budget as 'the most uninspiring, directionless, and anti-people document' in the state's history, noting that even members of Congress seemed disengaged and skeptical.

"Having witnessed 29 budgets throughout my political career, I have never encountered one so uninspiring. The public is disillusioned, and even Congress leaders are not rallying behind it," he stated.

Shifting his focus to Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Thakur accused the government of moving away from welfare initiatives to what he termed an 'extraction-driven governance model.'

"For the first time, Himachal is experiencing a government that prioritizes taking from its citizens rather than serving them," he remarked.

He claimed that over 2,000 institutions established during the previous BJP administration have either been closed or dismantled, and the current government is withdrawing welfare support while delaying salary payments, exacerbating public distress.

Thakur also criticized the Chief Minister's demeanor during the budget presentation, alleging that Sukhu exhibited 'unprecedented arrogance' in the Assembly.

He noted that Sukhu appeared to disregard bureaucratic contributions, claiming sole authorship of the budget.

"The Chief Minister spoke as if he alone crafted the entire budget, ignoring the hard work of administrative officials," he commented.

Thakur further accused Sukhu of using humor and theatrics in the Assembly to distract from governance shortcomings.

Questioning the legitimacy of the government's development claims, Thakur pointed out that many announcements depend heavily on central funding.

"From infrastructure projects to health sector allocations, the financial support primarily comes from the Centre. What is the state government actually contributing?" he asked.

Raising concerns about the state's financial stability, Thakur warned that government employees are facing increasing uncertainty due to 'irrational and ad-hoc decisions.'

He accused the administration of depleting the treasury through 'political patronage and freebies,' only to later postpone salaries under the guise of fiscal correction.

"This is not effective financial management; it is an administrative failure," he asserted.

Thakur claimed that discontent regarding the budget was palpable even among Congress members.

"The atmosphere in the Assembly indicated that Congress leaders were not convinced and were quietly mocking the budget," he alleged.

He accused the Sukhu government of lacking originality, asserting that it has merely rebranded central schemes under new titles.

"This is simply rebranding central projects to take credit—a clear deception towards the public," he stated.

Highlighting the adverse effects on citizens, Thakur noted that the government has introduced new financial burdens while diluting key election promises.

He pointed out:
• Conditional rollout of 300 units of free electricity
• Restrictions on the ₹1,500 monthly aid for women

"Promises were universal before the elections; now they come with fine print that excludes many beneficiaries," he claimed.

He also raised concerns about rising utility costs and noted that livestock farmers remain dissatisfied despite announcements regarding milk pricing, citing low procurement rates.

"A cleverly crafted document, yet fundamentally empty," Thakur concluded, describing the budget as lacking real impact.

"No segment of society feels reassured or benefited. The government has failed to provide substance, and the Chief Minister is now attempting to mask that failure with rhetoric in the Assembly," he said.