Sudhanshu Sharma
Jassur
BJP district president Rajesh Kaka has launched a sharp attack on Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, alleging that he has become the “most debt‑laden CM in Himachal’s history.” According to figures presented in the Assembly, the Congress government has raised ₹35,555 crore in new loans within just three financial years.
The BJP claims that by January 31, 2026, the state’s outstanding debt had already touched ₹1,01,863 crore, and has now crossed ₹1.10 lakh crore. Kaka questioned where thousands of crores have gone, asking: “How many industries were set up, how many hospitals built, how many jobs created, and what permanent assets have been added to the state?”
He further alleged that the borrowing spree has continued in the current fiscal year, with ₹2,800 crore raised by July 2026 alone — including ₹900 crore in April, ₹500 crore in May, ₹400 crore in June, and ₹700 crore in July.
The BJP accused the Congress government of following a policy of “borrow, spend, and leave the burden for the next generation.” While CM Sukhu has argued that new loans are needed to repay old debt inherited from the previous government, the opposition insists this does not answer the larger question of what steps have been taken to boost revenue and reduce dependence on borrowing.
Calling for transparency, Rajesh Kaka demanded a white paper on the state’s finances, detailing how much debt has been raised since December 2022, how much principal and interest has been repaid, how much has gone into development and capital projects, and what permanent assets have been created.
The BJP concluded its attack by asking: “After taking so much debt, what has Himachal really gained?”
