SHIMLA: Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri presented a white paper on the financial mismanagement that has plunged Himachal Pradesh into a staggering debt of Rs 92,774 crore during the previous Jai Ram Thakur government's tenure.
As Agnihotri criticized the BJP government for this fiscal crisis, Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur demanded a similar report on the late Virbhadra Singh regime for a comprehensive understanding of the state's financial situation.
The presentation went live streaming on social media presenting the picture of the Vidhan sabha by the leaders.
However, Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri focused on exposing the financial mismanagement under the previous Jai Ram Thakur government.
Notably, this white paper was presented after a gap of 25 years, as the Sukhu government established a cabinet subcommittee headed by Agnihotri to investigate the BJP's financial practices.
Agnihotri leveled serious accusations against the previous BJP government, citing a Reserve Bank of India report that labeled Himachal Pradesh as the fifth-largest borrower in the country.
He attributed the state's poor financial straits to excessive borrowing and noted that in 2022 alone, the loan liability had reached Rs 76,630 crore, partly due to the BJP's election-year spending spree and unfulfilled promises.
Agnihotri further highlighted a 12% increase in the state's financial debt over the past five years, with all 23 public sector undertakings carrying liabilities exceeding Rs 5,000 crore.
He also criticized the expenditure of Rs 7 crore from the state exchequer on Amrut Mahotsav celebrations, redirecting funds from the Jan Manch program.
Agnihotri accused the previous BJP government of failing to secure funds for essential projects, such as Rs 400 crore for Kangra Airport, Rs 25 crore for Jwalji Temple revamp, and Rs 1,000 crore for the Greenfield Airport in Mandi.
He raised eyebrows of the BJP leaders by revealing that the BJP government spent Rs 6 crore on chapatis during Jan Manch programmes.
The political heat reached its peak as the Leader of the Opposition retorted, deeming Agnihotri's language unparliamentary.
This led to a heated exchange between the treasury benches and the opposition, with the latter even entering the well of the House and shouting slogans against the government.
The session was marked by intense confrontations, reflecting the gravity of the financial crisis facing Himachal Pradesh in view of the present natural disaster.
