Shimla, March 26 (NationPress) Anurag Thakur, BJP MP and former Union Minister from Himachal Pradesh, sharply criticized the Congress-led state government on Thursday. He claimed that the party, which ascended to power in 2022 based on lofty election promises and '10 guarantees', has utterly failed to fulfill any of its commitments.

The BJP leader emphasized that instead of delivering relief, the Congress government has burdened the populace with escalating taxes and inflation.

Thakur remarked that the state government has experienced a 'miserable failure', stating that what was intended as relief has devolved into economic exploitation for the average citizen.

He pointed out that shortly after taking office, the state government raised the VAT on diesel by Rs 10.4 per litre, resulting in the collection of thousands of crores from the residents of Himachal Pradesh over the last 40 months.

According to Thakur, the government is now looking to introduce an additional cess on petrol and diesel, which will directly affect the common man.

In response to Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu's assertion that the cess has not been implemented yet, the BJP MP stated, 'Once such a notion infiltrates their policy framework, it's evident they plan to impose it. The BJP will vehemently oppose this initiative and will not permit any extra financial burden on the citizens.'

He accused the state government of prioritizing its close associates while neglecting the public's struggles.

'While the average person grapples with inflation, the state government has significantly increased salaries for chairpersons, provided luxury vehicles, and extended unwarranted perks to its supporters. This is the true face of the Congress,' asserted Thakur.

Thakur, representing Hamirpur, mentioned that there is internal discontent within Congress, asserting that even their own party members are at odds with the state government's policies, leading to discord within the party.

He dismissed the state government's claim that the cess would only impact traders, clarifying that the ultimate burden would fall on farmers, transporters, taxi operators, shopkeepers, and the general public, as fuel price hikes affect every sector of the economy.

Expressing concerns over the state's financial health, the BJP MP noted that Himachal Pradesh has accumulated a debt exceeding Rs 1 lakh crore under the current Congress-led government.

'If the Chief Minister (Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu) lacks the capability for financial management, he should consider transferring the Finance portfolio to someone more competent,' he added.

Thakur urged the Congress-led government to honor its 10 guarantees rather than imposing new taxes.

He affirmed that the BJP stands resolutely with the people of Himachal Pradesh and will persist in opposing any 'anti-people' decisions in both the streets and the State Assembly.