Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu reports 70% mineral revenue rise, rebuts BJP wealth accusations

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said Himachal Pradesh's revenue from mineral extraction jumped 70% in three years, rising from Rs 200 crore in 2021‑22 to Rs 340 crore in 2025‑26. He blamed recent transport charges imposed by neighboring Punjab, Haryana and Uttarakhand for slowing mineral movement and vowed to pursue legal and administrative remedies. Sukhu highlighted that the central government has not updated limestone royalty rates since 2014 and ordered stricter environmental compliance, regular inspections and curbs on illegal mining.

In a separate statement, Sukhu attacked BJP allegations that he is the state's richest chief minister, asserting his assets have remained transparent for two decades and have actually declined. He invited the ED and CBI to examine his disclosures and referenced his modest 12 lakh‑rupee plot purchase in Shimla twenty years ago. He also briefed on disaster‑relief efforts in Chamba following recent monsoon damage.