From Guarantees to Taxes – Congress Government Crushing Himachal Under Inflation Burden : Anurag Thakur

“After ₹10.40 VAT on Diesel, Now Preparing Fuel Cess – Sukhu Govt Targeting People’s Hard-Earned Money”

Shimla:
BJP MP and former Union Minister Shri Anurag Thakur launched a sharp attack on the Congress government in Himachal Pradesh, stating that the party, which came to power in 2022 on the basis of tall promises and “10 guarantees,” has completely failed to deliver even a single commitment. Instead, it has continuously burdened the people with rising taxes and inflation.
He remarked that the Congress government has “failed miserably,” adding that what was promised as relief has turned into economic exploitation of the common man. Soon after coming to power, the government increased VAT on diesel, taking it up to ₹10.40 per litre. As a result, thousands of crores have been collected from the people of Himachal over the past 40 months.
Shri Thakur further alleged that the government is now preparing to impose an additional cess on petrol and diesel, which will directly hit the common people. Reacting to the Chief Minister’s statement that the cess has not yet been implemented, he said, “Once such a thought has entered their policy framework, it is clear they intend to impose it. BJP will strongly oppose this move and will not allow even a single rupee additional burden on the people.”
He accused the Congress government of favouring its close aides while ignoring the hardships of the public. “While the common man suffers under inflation, the government has increased salaries of chairpersons manifold, provided luxury vehicles, and extended undue benefits to its favourites. This is the real face of Congress,” he said.
Shri Thakur also pointed out internal dissatisfaction within the Congress, stating that even their own leaders are not in agreement with the government’s policies, leading to discord within the party.
Dismissing the government’s claim that the cess would be imposed only on traders, he clarified that the burden will ultimately fall on farmers, transporters, taxi operators, shopkeepers, and the general public, as fuel price hikes impact every sector of the economy.
Raising concerns over the state’s financial condition, he said that Himachal Pradesh has been pushed into a debt of over ₹1 lakh crore under the present government. “If the Chief Minister lacks financial management capability, he should consider handing over the finance portfolio to someone competent,” he added.
Concluding, Shri Anurag Thakur demanded that the Congress government fulfil its 10 guarantees instead of imposing new taxes. He asserted that BJP stands firmly with the people of Himachal Pradesh and will continue to oppose any anti-people decisions both on the streets and in the Assembly.