CM Sukhu’s Delhi Visit in Focus Amid RDG Withdrawal: Cabinet Expansion and Key Political Decisions Expected

Munish Sood
Delhi

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu’s visit to Delhi, coming soon after the discontinuation of the Revenue Deficit Grant (RDG), has assumed major political and fiscal significance for the state. With Himachal Pradesh facing growing financial uncertainty, the Chief Minister’s engagements in the national capital are being closely watched by both the public and political observers.

The visit has sparked a larger debate in the state: Is the Chief Minister in Delhi to seek relief from the Centre over the RDG withdrawal, or to finalise long-pending political and organisational decisions within the Congress-led government?

RDG Discontinuation Intensifies Fiscal Pressure

The Revenue Deficit Grant has historically served as a crucial financial support mechanism for hill states like Himachal Pradesh, helping bridge the gap between revenue receipts and mandatory expenditure obligations.

With RDG support now discontinued, the state is expected to face a significant revenue shortfall in the coming years. The Finance Department has already indicated that strict fiscal discipline may become unavoidable, with possible rationalisation or restrictions on major expenditure heads such as:
• Subsidy-based welfare schemes
• OPS-related financial commitments
• Several development and infrastructure projects

The withdrawal has further intensified public concern over the state’s financial stability, making governance decisions particularly sensitive at this stage.

Vacant Cabinet and Constitutional Posts Add Political Complexity

The fiscal strain coincides with an important political moment for the state government. Himachal Pradesh currently has:
• One vacant Cabinet minister post, pending for a considerable period
• The post of Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Assembly also vacant, following the appointment of senior leader Vinay Kumar as the Pradesh Congress President

These vacancies involve key constitutional responsibilities, but filling them during a period of financial stress presents a delicate challenge for the government.

High-Level Discussions with Congress Leadership Expected

Sources indicate that Chief Minister Sukhu’s Delhi visit may include meetings with the Congress high command to deliberate on several pending issues, including:
• Cabinet expansion
• Possible reshuffling of ministerial portfolios
• Organisational restructuring within the state Congress unit

With the Budget Session approaching, speculation has intensified that the vacant ministerial position could be filled in the near term.

Political circles are also discussing the possibility that a senior minister could be dropped, potentially opening space for additional appointments and altering the internal balance within the Cabinet.

Sunder Singh Thakur Seen as Leading Contender

Among the prominent names being considered for Cabinet induction is Sunder Singh Thakur, MLA from Kullu.

Kullu district currently has no representation in the Cabinet, and Thakur’s inclusion is being viewed as an effort to maintain regional balance. He has previously served as a Chief Parliamentary Secretary (CPS).

If inducted, it would also increase representation from the broader Mandi parliamentary region, though Revenue Minister Jagat Negi already represents the area under the tribal quota.

More Leaders in Consideration if Reshuffle Expands

Sources suggest that if a senior minister is removed, two Cabinet vacancies could emerge. In such a scenario, leaders such as:
• Sanjay Rattan (Jwalamukhi)
• Ashish Butail (Palampur)
may be considered for ministerial responsibilities.

The name of Sanjay Awasthi, regarded as close to the Chief Minister, is also being discussed. However, his induction could raise concerns of overrepresentation of the Shimla parliamentary region, which the party may seek to avoid.

Ultimately, appointments will depend on the Congress high command’s final decision.

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Deputy Speaker Appointment Also on the Agenda

The post of Deputy Speaker remains vacant and is constitutionally essential for the smooth functioning of the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly.

Among the leading contenders is Chandrasekhar, MLA from Dharampur. Observers also believe that if Sanjay Rattan is not accommodated in the Cabinet, he could emerge as a strong candidate for the Deputy Speaker’s role.

Congress Organisational Formation Still Pending

Apart from government appointments, the Chief Minister is also expected to discuss the delayed formation of the state Congress organisation.

Despite the appointment of the Pradesh Congress President nearly three months ago, several key organisational positions remain vacant, including district Congress leadership in Shimla and Kinnaur.

With increasing pressure from within the party, Sukhu’s discussions in Delhi could provide important direction on organisational restructuring.

A Defining Moment for Himachal’s Governance and Political Direction

As Himachal Pradesh confronts the dual challenge of fiscal discipline following the RDG withdrawal and the need to fill key constitutional and political positions, Chief Minister Sukhu’s Delhi visit has become a pivotal development.

The decisions emerging from these high-level engagements are expected to shape both the government’s political trajectory and the state’s financial strategy in the months ahead.