Himachal: Opposition enraged over MLA fund being stopped, expressed protest by submitting memorandum to Governor

Just before the beginning of the MLA priorities meetings for the financial year 2026-27, the politics of Himachal Pradesh has come to a boil. Even before the meetings starting from today, opposition BJP MLAs under the leadership of Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur reached Lok Bhavan (Raj Bhavan) and submitted a memorandum to the Governor. The opposition has made serious allegations against the state government of withholding MLA Area Development Fund, discretionary funds and discriminating in the development works of opposition MLAs.

Funds halted from October 2025, development work stalled In the memorandum submitted to the Governor, Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur strongly attacked the functioning of the government. He said that the state government has not released the MLA area development fund after October 2025. Budget Despite the provision in the Act, the government has released only two installments (Rs 55 lakh each), while the remaining amount has been withheld.

Jairam Thakur said, “This year, the natural disaster has caused huge devastation in the state. At such a time, it was extremely important to use the MLA funds for restoration and relief work, but due to stoppage of funds, the MLAs are facing great difficulty in fulfilling the promises made to the public.” Apart from this, due to non-availability of discretionary funds, immediate assistance to the poor, sick and disaster affected people is also being hampered, due to which the credibility of the public representatives is being questioned.

Opposition MLAs’ reluctance to make DPR

The opposition has accused the government of working against the spirit of “equal development”. BJP says that it has been a tradition in Himachal that MLAs register their preferences in the PWD and Jal Shakti Department. But for the last three years, neither the Detailed Project Report (DPR) of the priorities given by the opposition MLAs is being prepared nor are they being sent to NABARD for approval.

Demand for intervention from Governor

The BJP legislature party has demanded immediate intervention from the Governor. He has requested that instructions should be given to the government to immediately release the withheld MLA funds and discretionary funds. Also, arrangements should be made to prepare DPR of development priorities of opposition MLAs and send it to NABARD as soon as possible so that balanced development can be achieved in the state.

At the same time, the opposition has made it clear that they will participate in the special session on RDG and will continue to oppose the government’s policies both inside and outside the House.