Wherever Congress comes to power, financial instability follows. From Himachal Pradesh to Karnataka to Telangana, states are drowning in debt and facing delayed development projects. The Congress freebies financial crisis is spreading fast as populist schemes cripple public finances.
Himachal Pradesh: Populism Meets Fiscal Pressure
In Himachal Pradesh, the Congress government promised free electricity up to 300 units. Eventually, it offered only 125 units and rolled it back for taxpayers. Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu even requested citizens to voluntarily give up their subsidies.
But the damage was already done. The Himachal Pradesh Electricity Board is struggling to pay salaries, while the reintroduction of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) has severely strained finances. The stateโs debt stands at โน86,589 crore and is expected to cross โน1 lakh crore by 2025โ26.
Among Indiaโs hill states, Himachal Pradesh is the most financially stressed โ a direct consequence of the Congress freebies financial crisis.
๐ Read More: Indiaโs Fiscal Health Report โ TrueCheckNews
Karnataka: Free Guarantees, Real Burden
Karnatakaโs Congress government came to power on five major guarantees โ free electricity up to 200 units, โน2,000 monthly for women, unemployment allowances, 10 kg of free rice, and free bus travel for women.
These schemes cost over โน55,000 crore annually. To recover funds, the government hiked prices of petrol, milk, and curd. Even property registration and stamp duties were increased. Electricity bills doubled, and bus fares rose 20%.
Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar admitted that there were no funds left for development. Schools even asked students to bring their own exam booklets due to fund shortages. The Congress freebies financial crisis has forced citizens to pay the price through inflation and reduced public services.
๐ Related Article: Karnatakaโs Economic Slowdown Explained
Telangana: Deep Debt and Delayed Salaries
Telanganaโs Congress-led government projected borrowing of โน62,000 crore for 2024โ25 โ โน17,000 crore more than last year. The stateโs total debt has reached โน6.71 lakh crore. Panchayat sarpanches and TSRTC employees havenโt received dues, and promises to farmers remain unfulfilled.
CM Revanth Reddy admitted that of โน18,500 crore in monthly revenue, โน13,000 crore goes to salaries, pensions, and debt payments โ leaving just โน5,000 crore for welfare and development. He even called for a national debate on guarantees, acknowledging the growing Congress freebies financial crisis.
๐ External Source: The Economic Times โ Telanganaโs Fiscal Stress Report
The True Cost of Freebies
Across states, the Congress freebies financial crisis is eroding public trust and damaging growth. Taxpayers are facing higher prices, reduced services, and slower infrastructure development.
Experts warn that populist schemes may win elections but undermine fiscal sustainability. Without responsible spending and transparent budgeting, even robust economies risk collapse.
The Congress freebies financial crisis is not just about politics โ itโs about the future of Indiaโs states. From delayed salaries in Himachal to rising costs in Karnataka and debt overload in Telangana, the warning signs are clear.
Unless financial discipline returns, Indiaโs states may face long-term stagnation while citizens continue to shoulder the burden.