Shimla, March 31 (NationPress) On Tuesday, lawmakers from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) organized a protest at the Assembly complex in response to the Congress government's recent decision to increase entry tax and impose a cess on petrol and diesel.

Under the leadership of former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur, the BJP representatives criticized the government's actions as 'anti-people.' They marched towards the Assembly's main entrance, delivering sharp critiques of the government's operations.

Thakur highlighted that while the Central government has alleviated some pressures by reducing VAT on petrol and diesel prices by Rs 10, the Sukhu government continues to implement measures that burden citizens. He pointed out the fallout in neighboring states, such as Punjab and Haryana, where citizens and transporters have taken to the streets in protest against the increased entry tax for vehicles registered outside the state.

The Opposition provided specific data, revealing that the entry tax for small vehicles has escalated from Rs 40 to Rs 170, and for heavy vehicles, from Rs 40 to Rs 1,000. They argued that this change is not only illogical but could also jeopardize Himachal Pradesh's tourism industry.

“Additionally, with the passing of a new Act in the Assembly, the government is set to impose a hefty burden on the populace by instituting a Rs 5 ‘widow and orphan cess’ on fuel prices,” Thakur stated.

He raised concerns that this decision would create an economic strain for residents in border areas, likening it to daily 'economic extortion,' which could cripple daily life and business operations.

“The seriousness of the situation is underscored by the fact that citizens from neighboring states have threatened to block vehicle entry into our state starting tonight, presenting a potential risk to law and order,” he noted.

The BJP accused the government of failing to learn from the deteriorating circumstances and disregarding public welfare, instead opting to impose unnecessary financial strains that could lead the state into economic chaos.

The Opposition has issued a firm warning: if the government does not retract the entry tax increase and the fuel cess immediately, this protest will escalate from the Assembly floor to the streets.

In the meantime, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu, speaking in the Assembly after the lunch recess, addressed concerns regarding the toll tax barriers, suggesting that misinformation is being intentionally spread. He announced that the toll tax structure has been reevaluated, and a decision has been made to revert the entry tax rates for vehicles from cars to 12-seater vehicles to their previous amounts.

He informed the House that he tried reaching out to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann by phone but was unsuccessful. He confirmed that the entry tax for five-seater vehicles and those with six to 12 seats will now follow the original two-tiered rates: Rs 70 for five-seater cars and Rs 110 for six to 12-seater vehicles. Previously, these two categories had been merged under a uniform rate of Rs 130.

He further stated that the fee for sixty-tyre trucks remains at Rs 320, while the rate for 10 to 14-tyre double-axle trucks is set at Rs 570.