Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislators protested at the Himachal Pradesh Assembly against the Congress government’s decision to increase entry tax and impose a cess on petrol and diesel. Led by former Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur, they criticized the government’s actions as detrimental to the public. The BJP highlighted the adverse impact of the tax hike on neighboring states like Punjab and Haryana, where protests have erupted against the increased entry tax for non-state vehicles.
The Opposition pointed out that the entry tax for small vehicles has surged from Rs 40 to Rs 170, and for heavy vehicles, from Rs 40 to Rs 1,000. They argued that such a move is not only illogical but also harmful to Himachal’s tourism industry. Additionally, the government’s decision to impose a Rs 5 ‘widow and orphan cess’ on fuel was heavily criticized as burdensome for the public. The Opposition expressed concerns that this tax hike would severely affect the daily lives and commercial activities of residents in border districts.
The BJP accused the government of disregarding public welfare and exacerbating economic challenges by imposing unnecessary financial burdens. They warned of escalating protests if the government fails to retract the entry tax hike and fuel cess promptly. In response, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu clarified the toll tax situation in the Assembly, announcing a revision of the entry tax rates for various vehicle categories. Sukhu assured that the entry tax rates for cars and 12-seater vehicles would be reverted to their previous levels, addressing the discontent surrounding toll tax barriers.
