Opposition slams Himachal govt for rising taxes, costly celebrations

Leader of the Opposition Jai Ram Thakur on Saturday accused the Sukhvinder Sukhu government of turning Himachal Pradesh into a “tax-and-debt regime.”

He said on Saturday that the government, which came to power promising change and what he described as “false guarantees,” has instead burdened the people with relentless borrowing and repeated tax hikes throughout its three-year tenure.

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Thakur alleged that apart from shutting down institutions and discontinuing schemes launched by the previous government, the present administration has achieved little of substance.

He claimed that in 35 months, the state’s debt has crossed 40,000 crore rupees, with the government borrowing more than 1,000 crore every month.

According to him, charges for public services have increased several times, and new taxes have been introduced, adding further pressure on citizens.

Thakur also criticised the government for increasing the Additional Goods Tax on cement even after GST rates were reduced, saying this has made it harder for disaster-affected families to rebuild their homes.

Thakur said the “tax-and-debt model” began immediately after the Chief Minister assumed office, when VAT on diesel was raised by three rupees.

He added that in 2023, even as the state struggled with a severe natural disaster, the government increased diesel prices by another two and a half rupees.

He criticised the administration for focusing its energy on preparations for the government’s three-year anniversary celebrations.

From the Chief Minister to the lowest-ranking employees, he claimed that the entire official machinery is engaged in ensuring the success of these events. What is more surprising, he claimed, is that the expenses for the celebrations are being borne by the Revenue Department.

Thakur said it is unfortunate that the same department responsible for compensating families who lost their loved ones in natural calamities has not yet completed the process.

He said the department has failed to fully assess losses suffered by people who lost their homes or land and has even struggled to provide the immediate relief amount of 2,500 rupees to affected families on time.

“It is distressing that a department unable to support disaster-hit people promptly is now spending crores on celebrations, while many continue to suffer from destroyed homes and personal losses,” charged.

While the government is preparing for festivities, however not a single leader is willing to openly justify them, he added.

On remarks made against the RSS by a Congress Minister, Thakur said the organisation is a disciplined, service-oriented national institution whose volunteers contribute selflessly in areas including education, health, disaster relief, social harmony and cultural awakening.

He cautioned that any derogatory comment against the organisation is unacceptable.