Governor skipping full Assembly address not unprecedented; RDG is Himachal's right, not charity: CM Sukhu
Shimla, February 16
Following Himachal Pradesh Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla's decision to skip reading the full customary address in the Assembly, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Monday said the move was "not an exception" and stressed that the matter of the Revenue Deficit Grant pertains to the state's rights.
Speaking to mediapersons in Shimla after the opening day of the Budget Session of the Himachal Pradesh Assembly, Sukhu said that governors in the past too had skipped portions of the address.
"The governor not reading the address is not an exception. Earlier, governors have also skipped reading the address," he said.
The Chief Minister clarified that the issue is not about the state government seeking aid but about safeguarding Himachal Pradesh's financial entitlements. "This is not about the government. RDG is our right. We are not asking for any charity. Don't harm the rights of the state," Sukhu said.
He emphasised that Himachal Pradesh, being a hill state, cannot be compared with larger states in terms of revenue generation capacity.
He further highlighted the unique fiscal challenges of Himachal Pradesh, emphasising that, as a hill state, its revenue-generating capacity is limited relative to larger states.
"You talk about 17 states, but Himachal cannot be compared with them. Those states have big projects and stronger revenue bases. Himachal is a hill state where revenue generation is inherently limited due to natural resources and geographical constraints," he added.
Referring to the discontinuation of RDG following the recommendations of the 16th Finance Commission, the Chief Minister said the state government had convened a three-day Assembly session primarily to deliberate on the issue
"We have called this three-day session to discuss RDG. I am hopeful that the BJP will rise above party lines and join us in going to the Centre for restoration of the rights of the state," he added.
Earlier in the day, the budget session began with the governor's address. However, Governor Shukla read only a few lines and laid the speech on the table of the House, objecting to certain references concerning constitutional institutions.
The issue of RDG and the state's financial position is expected to dominate proceedings during the ongoing session.
— ANI
Reader Comments
While I agree with the CM on the financial issue, the Governor skipping the address sets a bad precedent. These constitutional formalities matter for the dignity of the Assembly. Both sides need to show more respect for the institutions.
This is pure politics. The Governor's action and the CM's response are both for show. Instead of this drama, they should focus on solving the actual financial crisis. Himachal needs solutions, not political one-upmanship.
As someone who loves visiting Himachal, I can see why they need special grants. The infrastructure costs in mountains are huge. Comparing them to plains states is unfair. Hope the Centre listens.
Finally a CM speaking up for state rights! Too often CMs act like beggars before Delhi. Sukhu is correct - it's about entitlement, not asking for favors. Other states should also assert their rights like this.
The Governor's job is to represent the Centre, but he should also respect the state legislature. Skipping the address seems like a petty move. The real issue is RDG - hope BJP supports the state regardless of party politics. Jai Himachal!
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