Addressing a press conference at his official residence in Shimla on November 7, Thakur said the state had secured its rightful electricity share through a prolonged struggle involving multiple administrations. He questioned Sukhu’s attempt to claim personal credit for the decision, arguing that the outcome was based on legal arguments and historical facts developed over several decades.
Recounting the history of the dispute, Thakur said former Chief Minister Shanta Kumar was the first to demand royalty on Himachal Pradesh’s water resources. The matter subsequently reached the Supreme Court in 1996 during the tenure of former Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh. On September 27, 2011, under the government led by Prem Kumar Dhumal, Himachal Pradesh secured a 7.19 per cent electricity share.
Thakur further recalled that on January 4, 2018, the BJP government led by him decided to pursue discussions on restoring differential energy. The legal proceedings continued thereafter, eventually leading to a resolution with the intervention of the Central Government and the Attorney General of India.
According to Thakur, after adjusting capital liabilities, Himachal Pradesh will receive 11,973 million units of electricity over the next 20 years. This includes approximately 598 million units annually during the six winter months.
Questioning the Congress government's claims, Thakur said, “Who should get the credit for this decision? This is the outcome of a 30-year-long struggle involving successive governments. The Chief Minister should explain what his personal contribution to this achievement has been.”
Turning to electricity tariffs, Thakur demanded that the Sukhu government restore the 125-unit free electricity scheme, which had been discontinued. He also questioned the Congress government over its pre-election promise to provide 300 units of free electricity to consumers.
“The Congress had promised 300 units of free electricity before the elections. What has happened to that guarantee? The government must fulfil its commitment to the people,” he said.
Thakur also raised concerns over rising electricity charges, additional cess and the increasing financial burden on industries. He called for clarity on the government's electricity policy, stressing the need to ensure affordable power and protect industrial interests.
Criticising the state government's financial management, the former Chief Minister alleged that government employees were still waiting for their dearness allowance, arrears and reimbursement of medical bills, even as the government continued to borrow money. He claimed that despite numerous announcements, the administration had failed to provide meaningful relief to employees and the public.
Taking a political swipe at the ruling Congress, Thakur said making unfulfilled promises and claiming credit for the efforts of previous governments would not help the party retain public confidence.
“The Congress government will not be repeated; it will be defeated in the next elections,” he asserted.
Thakur further stated that if the BJP returned to power in Himachal Pradesh, it would review the decisions taken by the present government.
The dispute over Himachal Pradesh's electricity entitlement in the BBMB has remained a longstanding issue, with successive state governments pursuing the matter through legal and political channels. Thakur's remarks have brought the history of the 30-year struggle, the allocation of 11,973 million units over 20 years and the Congress government's commitments on free electricity back into the political debate.
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