Shimla, Feb. 12 -- Intensifying its attack on the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu-led Congress government over the state of finances, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday said Himachal's economy is in crisis due to chief minister Sukhu's "mismanagement". "The Revenue Deficit Grant (RDG) has been discontinued not only for Himachal but also for 17 other states. CM is misleading the public by calling it a central conspiracy," Thakur said, alleging that the Congress hastily issued ten guarantees to win the elections, but now wants to shift the financial burden to the central government, which is unfair. "Himachal's economic crisis is due to mismanagement of CM Sukhu," he added. He said that the Congress government is preparing to shift the blame for its mismanagement to the Centre, imposing tax burdens on the public and depriving them of benefits, while simultaneously distributing cabinet rank and expensive vehicles to "friends" and squandering the state's wealth. BJP state co-incharge Sanjay Tandon accused the government of hiding its administrative and governance failures by unfairly blaming the Union government. He clarified that the discontinuation of the RDG was not a sudden blow but a phased, pre-declared recommendation. "If we compare Himachal with Uttarakhand-two hill states with similar geography and constraints-Uttarakhand has performed significantly better in revenue mobilisation and investment attraction. Meanwhile, Himachal's revenue deficit and debt ratios have worsened sharply," Tandon said, noting that the state's debt-to-GSDP ratio has crossed the alarming 40% mark. Echoing the concerns, state BJP president Rajeev Bindal said that the Congress government has pushed Himachal into a deep financial and law-and-order crisis. He characterised the current administration as a "borrow and spend" model that prioritises political appointments over fiscal discipline. "The government has appointed nearly 75 advisers, OSDs, and special appointees who enjoy high salaries, official vehicles, and residences, costing the exchequer crores," Bindal alleged. Replying, CM said, "Instead of targeting me, BJP leaders should approach the Prime Minister for the reinstatement of the RDG. I have appealed to them on numerous occasions to come forward together, but I know they will never do so." htc...