Dharamshala, Feb. 2 -- Expressing disappointment over the Union Budget 2026-27, Himachal chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu described it as an anti-poor and anti-farmer budget and stated that it ignores interests of key sections of the society. Describing it as inequitable, the CM said Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman completely overlooked the concerns and priorities of Himachal Pradesh. Sukhu, who also holds the finance portfolio, raised concerns regarding the recently tabled 16th Finance Commission (FC-XVI) Report for the period 2026-31. He voiced strong disappointment over the commission's "failure" to provide meaningful revenue deficit grants (RDG) for the state despite repeated representations, detailed memoranda and technical submissions. Besides, the Finance Commission has not recommended RDG for small states, including Himachal Pradesh, which he termed as a deeply disappointing decision and termed it as injustice, hurting the sentiments of the people. The CM said that Article 275(1) of the Constitution provides for state-specific grants (RDG) from the Union government. From 1952 up to the 15th Finance Commission, these grants were regularly provided by the Centre to the states. However, for the first time, the 16th Finance Commission has discontinued this grant, he said. Sukhu said that under the Fifteenth Finance Commission, Revenue Deficit Grants amounting to approximately Rs.37,000 crore were provided. "It is sad that this omission overlooks structural fiscal handicaps, including high forest and ecological cover of about 67%, higher per-capita cost of service delivery in mountainous terrain and repeated natural disasters causing losses exceeding Rs.15,000 crore in recent years, " he remarked. Deputy CM Mukesh Agnihotri termed the budget a betrayal of Himachal Pradesh's interests. He said the budget has been unfair to the state and has completely ignored the unique geographical and economic conditions of the hill state. Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur termed it a comprehensive budget for achieving the goal of 'Developed India 2047'. The former chief minister also said that the announcement of developing 'eco-trails', especially for a hilly state like Himachal Pradesh, is a revolutionary step....