BJP MP from Hamirpur and former Union Minister Anurag Thakur on Thursday 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 said. He remarked that the Congress government had “failed miserably”, adding that what was promised as relief had turned into economic exploitation of the common man.
“Soon after coming to power, the government increased VAT on diesel, taking it up to Rs 10.40 per litre. As a result, thousands of crores have been collected from the people of Himachal over the past 40 months,” he said.
Thakur alleged that the Himachal government was now preparing to impose an additional cess on petrol and diesel, which would directly hit the common people. Reacting to the Chief Minister’s statement that the cess had 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 of 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,” he said. “This is the real face of Congress.”
The BJP MP also pointed to internal dissatisfaction within the Congress, stating that even their own leaders were 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 said the burden would 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 Himachal Pradesh had been pushed into a debt of over Rs 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.
Anurag Thakur demanded that the Congress government fulfil its 10 guarantees instead of imposing new taxes. He asserted that the 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.
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