Education Minister Rohit Thakur and Technical Education Minister Rajesh Dharmani on Saturday launched a sharp counterattack against Union Health Minister JP Nadda, accusing him of indulging in political rhetoric and failing to adequately safeguard Himachal’s interests despite his senior position in the Union Government.
Addressing a press conference in Shimla, the two ministers rejected Nadda’s assertion that the Centre had extended adequate financial support to the state and said Himachal deserved “facts and tangible outcomes rather than political claims and self-congratulatory narratives”.
They said the people of Himachal had high expectations from Nadda because of his stature in national politics but were disappointed that his recent two-day visit remained confined to political statements.
“Himachal is facing serious financial challenges. The state is expected to suffer an annual loss of about Rs 8,100 crore following the discontinuation of the Revenue Deficit Grant (RDG). In addition, a cap has been imposed on the state’s borrowing limit. These are issues that Nadda should have taken up with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the interest of Himachal,” Thakur said.
He added that the state was still awaiting the Rs 1,500-crore financial assistance announced by the Centre and maintained that despite performing well on various development indicators, Himachal was not receiving adequate support under several Central schemes.
The ministers urged Nadda to rise above partisan considerations and use his influence within the Union Government to secure greater financial assistance, enhanced disaster relief support and additional developmental projects for the state.
“Himachal needs the spirit of cooperative federalism, especially at a time when it is facing financial stress, reconstruction challenges and growing developmental requirements,” they said. The ministers also questioned Nadda’s silence on several longstanding issues concerning the state.
“We expected him to strongly advocate the restoration of the Revenue Deficit Grant, considering the fragile financial condition of the state. Despite being a senior Union Minister, he has never raised the issue of the pending Rs 4,500 crore BBMB arrears or sought the return of the Shanan Hydel Project from Punjab,” they alleged.
Dharmani said during the UPA regime, Himachal had received major institutions such as an IIT, a Central University, an IIM and two medical colleges.
Referring to healthcare funding, he questioned the Centre’s claims regarding support under the Ayushman Bharat scheme.
“The Centre often highlights the 90:10 funding pattern for special category states. However, against health claims amounting to around Rs 155 crore during 2025-26, Himachal has received only Rs 49 crore. This raises legitimate questions about the actual level of support being extended to the state,” he said.
The ministers maintained that the state government would continue to press for its legitimate financial and developmental rights before the Centre.
