Former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister and Leader of the Opposition Jai Ram Thakur expressed disappointment with the state’s Budget, calling it the most directionless in history. Thakur highlighted a significant decline in capital investment over the years, leading to a standstill in development. The Budget for 2025-26 saw a reduction of Rs 3,586 crore compared to the previous year, representing a 6.13% decline.
Thakur criticized the current government for failing to effectively utilize allocated funds for various schemes, such as the Kanyadan Yojana and organic farming initiatives. He accused the government of prioritizing cost-cutting measures over actual development efforts. The Opposition, led by Thakur, protested against government policies, particularly the recently increased entry tax, citing concerns about its impact on the public and business community.
Ahead of the Budget presentation in the Assembly, BJP lawmakers, including Thakur, raised objections to the entry tax hike, emphasizing its potential negative consequences on the transport sector and household expenses. The Opposition demanded the immediate withdrawal of the hike to prevent inflation and economic strain on the public.
