Jairam Thakur Highlights GST Reforms

Sirmaur, Sept 28 – Former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur visited various areas of Sirmaur district, meeting locals, listening to their grievances, and assuring redressal. Beginning his tour with prayers at Maa Bhangayani Devi Temple, he later joined residents in listening to PM Narendra Modi’s Mann Ki Baat program and addressed gatherings in Renuka and Pachhad constituencies.

Speaking at a seminar on Next-Generation GST reforms in Nohra Dhar and Rajgarh, Thakur termed it the “biggest gift to citizens” by any government. He said GST reforms have significantly reduced the tax burden, making four-wheelers cheaper by over ₹50,000 and two-wheelers by around ₹10,000. Essential medicines for cancer and thalassemia remain tax-free, while most household goods now fall under the 5% or zero-tax slab.

Thakur contrasted this with the Sukhu-led state government’s “anti-people” stance, alleging it increased additional goods tax on cement and hiked diesel prices by ₹6.5 per litre. He claimed these steps nullified relief measures by the Modi government.

He also welcomed several Congress workers into the BJP fold, citing their disillusionment with Congress’s failures. Later, Thakur met disaster-affected families in Chauras village, where heavy rains and landslides displaced residents, and expressed condolences to the family of the late Sheela Devi.

At Haripurdhar, Thakur joined locals in listening to Mann Ki Baat and echoed PM Modi’s call for supporting Khadi and Vocal for Local products ahead of Gandhi Jayanti, urging people to strengthen the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.