Former Himachal Pradesh chief minister and former Union minister Shanta Kumar on Tuesday said that the recent achievements concerning state’s rights and the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) are not the result of the efforts of any single individual or government, but the culmination of a prolonged struggle and collective efforts spanning several decades.
Recalling the historical background, Kumar said that the struggle for Himachal’s rightful share began in 1977, when he first assumed office as CM. Recalling the history of the dispute, Dhumal said that following the reorganisation of Punjab on November 1, 1966, a decision was taken to distribute assets and liabilities among Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh in proportion to their populations. Dhumal said that when the Janata Party formed governments at the Centre and in Himachal Pradesh in 1977, the then PM Desai decided to provide 15 MW of electricity to Himachal Pradesh and constituted a committee to examine the remaining issues. However, after the Congress returned to power in 1980, the matter was once again neglected.
During discussions with senior officials, it became evident that Himachal had not received its rightful share in the assets of the erstwhile undivided Punjab. During the discussions, he also sought the cooperation of leaders including Devi Lal and Parkash Singh Badal, emphasising that Himachal Pradesh deserved fair treatment as a smaller hill state. At that time, Congress governments were in power in all three states. However, when crucial decisions concerning BBMB were being taken, no representative of the Himachal Pradesh government attended the important meeting.
Kumar, in a statement, said that while CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu had pursued the matter before the Supreme Court, it would be inappropriate for him to claim the entire credit for the outcome. “The CM should acknowledge the historical contributions of previous governments and leaders who fought tirelessly to secure Himachal’s legitimate rights,” he said. He said that after thoroughly examining the matter, he travelled to New Delhi and met the then Prime Minister, Morarji Desai, placing before him the provisions of the Punjab Reorganisation Act and explaining how Himachal Pradesh had been deprived of its legitimate entitlements. He said that Prime Minister Morarji Desai fully supported this demand.
Subsequently, the principle of providing 12% free electricity to states hosting hydroelectric projects was accepted by the Central Government.
He said that during the 1990s, the Bharatiya Janata Party revived the issue and organised an Adhikar Yatra to Delhi, receiving support from the party’s central leadership.
