TNR News Network
Dharamshala
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) state spokesperson Sanjay Sharma launched a sharp attack on the current Himachal Pradesh government, accusing it of transforming the state into a “Tax State” instead of making it tourism-friendly. He alleged that the Sukhu-led administration is more focused on burdening the public and tourists with excessive levies rather than carrying out development work, which he claimed has come to a standstill.
Sharma pointed out that after imposing heavy entry fees on popular trekking routes like Triund and exorbitant vehicle charges, the government now seems to be eyeing pedestrians. Taking a jibe, he said it appears the government may soon start charging people for walking on public roads in major towns such as Shimla Mall Road, Manali Mall Road, Mandi, Solan, Kullu, Chamba Chaugan, and Dharamshala-McLeodganj.
He further alleged that Himachal’s economy is heavily dependent on tourism, but the imposition of new fees at multiple locations is discouraging visitors from coming to the state. “The government that once promised ‘system change’ has now reduced it to simply imposing new taxes. Charging people for movement in markets and public spaces is nothing short of a modern-day ‘Jaziya tax,’ which will not only hurt tourism but also cripple local businesses and common citizens,” Sharma said.
Issuing a stern warning, the BJP spokesperson declared that if the government does not roll back these “anti-people taxes and fees,” the party will take to the streets in protest. He cautioned that the public will deliver a strong lesson to the government in the times ahead for burdening their pockets with such exploitative measures.
