Shimla, Feb. 16 -- Political tensions escalated in Himachal Pradesh on Monday ahead of the Budget Session of the State Assembly, as leaders from the ruling Congress and opposition BJP traded barbs over the agenda and the issue of the Revenue Deficit Grant (RDG).

An all-party meeting was convened before the session began, chaired by Assembly Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania. The meeting was attended by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Harshvardhan Chauhan, Deputy Chief Whip Kewal Singh Pathania, Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur, and BJP Legislature Party Chief Whip Sukh Ram Chaudhary.

Speaking to mediapersons, Speaker Pathania appealed to both the treasury and opposition benches to ensure the smooth conduct of the House.

"I have urged all...