BJP Himachal President Criticises Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu Government for Heavy Taxation on Citizens

Rajeev Bindal, BJP president in Himachal Pradesh, accuses the Sukhu-led government of imposing excessive taxes on residents. He contrasts this with PM Modi's relief measures, highlighting significant tax increases and additional charges affecting citizens.

Rajeev Bindal, the Himachal Pradesh BJP president, criticised the Congress government led by Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu for imposing heavy taxes on citizens. He praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's central government for offering relief. During a press conference, Bindal mentioned that around ten different types of cess have been introduced in the state, making it difficult to fit all on electricity bills.

Bindal accused the state government of increasing Value Added Tax (VAT) on diesel by Rs 7.50 per litre, which he claimed added a burden of Rs 10,000 crore on the people. Additionally, he highlighted hikes in various charges, including Additional Goods Tax on cement from Rs 7.50 to Rs 16, increased water bills, and a 46 per cent rise in electricity bills.

Taxation and Economic Growth

The state government also imposed a flat Rs 100 charge on rural water supply and introduced a Rs 10 fee for hospital slips, according to Bindal. In contrast, he credited the Modi administration with providing relief worth Rs 2 lakh crore through Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms.

Bindal highlighted achievements under the BJP-led government, noting significant growth in startups from 1,000 in 2014 to 1.6 lakh. Defence exports also surged from Rs 686 crore to Rs 23,622 crore. He pointed out that now 98 per cent of mobile phones, including iPhones, are manufactured in India.

India's Economic Position

Under Prime Minister Modi's leadership, India has become the fourth largest economy globally with a size of USD 7.3 trillion. Bindal mentioned growth in sectors such as tourism, cultural heritage, yoga, astronomy, and destination weddings as contributing factors to this economic expansion.

Bindal emphasised that these accomplishments were possible because Prime Minister Modi not only makes promises but also fulfils them. He credited Modi's leadership for India's economic advancements and improvements across various sectors.

With inputs from PTI