Opposition Leader Criticizes Himachal Pradesh Government for Rising Taxes and Broken Promises

Opposition's Critique of Government Policies

Munish Sood
Mandi

In a renewed critique of the Congress-led administration in Himachal Pradesh, Jai Ram Thakur, the Leader of the Opposition, accused Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu of imposing higher taxes and electricity rates on the public while neglecting key electoral promises made prior to the Assembly elections.

During a press briefing in Mandi, the former Chief Minister claimed that the state government had abandoned its commitments, instead increasing the financial burden on citizens, students, and businesses through new cess charges and altered electricity tariffs.

Thakur specifically targeted the government's handling of power subsidies, stating that while the Congress had pledged 300 units of free electricity, they had eliminated the previous provision of 125 units of free electricity established under the BJP's governance. He noted that households that previously enjoyed zero electricity bills are now facing monthly charges of at least ₹750 due to the removal of slab-based subsidies and the hike in electricity rates.

The former Chief Minister also condemned the government for imposing extra financial pressures on businesses and consumers, mentioning new cess charges on hotels, private hospitals, petrol stations, shopping centers, and multiplexes, in addition to previously introduced milk and environmental cesses.

Thakur further pointed out that students preparing for competitive exams are suffering due to the increased electricity costs. He argued that the ongoing imposition of taxes and cesses indicates the worsening financial state of the government.

He raised concerns regarding the extension of tenures for professors in medical colleges, suggesting that the government is attempting to postpone its financial obligations. Additionally, he claimed that retired employees are not receiving their General Provident Fund (GPF) and other retirement benefits in a timely manner.

The BJP leader made serious allegations of violations of the code of conduct against the ruling Congress, asserting that welfare initiatives and public announcements are being manipulated to sway voters ahead of elections. He alleged that prior to the Assembly elections, women and youth were encouraged to apply for various schemes, yet many of these promises remain unfulfilled.

In light of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections and the current political climate surrounding the Mandi Municipal Corporation elections, Thakur claimed that the government is making frequent announcements through Cabinet decisions and media briefings to gain electoral leverage. He alleged that despite the commitments made under the Samman Nidhi scheme, most women in the state have not received any benefits.

The Leader of the Opposition also accused the government of significantly reducing funding for social security and welfare programs while failing to effectively utilize central funds. He expressed concern over the increasing debt burden faced by the state.

"The citizens of Himachal Pradesh are now aware of the disparity between the government's promises and its actual performance. They will respond democratically at the right moment," he stated.

Present at the press conference were Anil Sharma, Payal Vaidya, Nihalchand Sharma, Rakesh Walia, Manchali Thakur, Virendra Bhat, and Chaman Kapoor.