TNR News Network
Dharamshala:
Former Industries Minister and senior BJP leader Bikram Thakur launched a scathing attack on the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu-led Congress government, accusing it of misgovernance, excessive taxation and betraying public trust during a time of crisis.
Speaking at a press conference, Thakur said that despite the Centre reducing GST on cement from 28% to 18%, a move that should have reduced prices by around ₹40 per bag, the state government allegedly ensured that this benefit never reached the common people.
“Instead of passing on this relief to disaster-hit regions and middle-class families, the Sukhu government hiked the Additional Goods Tax (AGT) on cement to ₹16 per bag. During BJP’s tenure, this was just ₹7.50. Even during the disaster, Congress raised it to ₹11, and now, in response to central relief, they’ve hiked it again. This is nothing short of looting the public,” he said.
Thakur also criticised the state government’s spending priorities, alleging that the Chief Minister is rewarding close associates, MLAs and ministers with foreign trips at the expense of taxpayers.
“At a time when people are suffering and struggling to rebuild their lives post-disaster, the government is busy distributing chairmanships and privileges to its favourites,” he remarked. “If this isn’t injustice — that the public pays taxes and the CM sends his friends abroad — then what is?”
The former minister also raised concerns about employee welfare, stating that HRTC pensioners are waiting for months for their dues. “Even HPTDC employees got their salaries only on September 26 and that too after BJP’s pressure. No one knows when the next payment will be,” he said, accusing the government of making empty promises while ignoring ground realities. He also warned on protest at the RM office in Jaswan-Pragpur if HRTC routes were not restored within a week.
