Shimla, November 7, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Saturday termed the Supreme Court’s stand on the state’s outstanding electricity share in the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) a historic victory, crediting his government’s political determination and legal efforts for advancing the state’s long-pending rights.
Speaking to reporters after returning from his Delhi visit, Sukhu said his government had refused to compromise on Himachal Pradesh’s interests. “Our resolve cannot be bought. Had there been a double-engine government in the state, we might have been forced to accept a weak agreement, as happened in Uttarakhand. The people of Himachal Pradesh placed their trust in the Congress’s single-engine government, which fought for the state’s rights without backing down,” he said.
The Chief Minister challenged the BJP to abandon what he described as negative politics and support the government on issues concerning the state’s interests. He reiterated his government’s goal of making Himachal Pradesh the country’s most prosperous and self-reliant state by 2032.
Sukhu said the BBMB dispute had remained pending for nearly 15 years. He estimated that Himachal Pradesh could receive revenue of Rs 15,000 crore to Rs 20,000 crore over the next 20 years. If the state’s electricity share is sold at Rs 6 per unit, it could initially generate around Rs 500 crore. The government would seek the best possible price, potentially raising annual revenue to Rs 1,000 crore, he added.
Describing the BBMB development as the fourth major achievement of his government’s four-year tenure, Sukhu said a Supreme Court decree had remained ineffective for nearly 15 years because previous governments had failed to pursue the matter within the stipulated timeframe. His government, he said, used the Kishau Dam project agreement to break the deadlock.
Sukhu said he wrote to the Haryana government on December 16, stating that Himachal Pradesh would not proceed with the Kishau Dam agreement until Haryana filed an affidavit in the Supreme Court regarding payment of the BBMB dues. Haryana accepted the condition, bringing the matter in the Supreme Court to a decisive stage, he said.
He added that despite initial reluctance from Punjab, Himachal Pradesh had not compromised on its rightful share. Sukhu said the development would have significant long-term financial implications and strengthen the state’s efforts towards development and self-reliance.
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