A political storm has erupted in Punjab after a group of Nihang Singhs imposed a symbolic 'Khalsa tax' on vehicles registered in Himachal Pradesh, protesting the Himachal government's entry tax. The incident occurred on Wednesday on the Kiratpur Sahib-Manali National Highway, where Nihangs collected voluntary contributions from Himachal-registered vehicles for about an hour.
Opposition Reacts
Former Punjab Youth Congress president Barinder Dhillon criticized the Punjab government, stating that the state is descending into anarchy. He argued that the government's failure to resolve the entry tax issue has forced people to take matters into their own hands. Punjab BJP vice-president Subhash Sharma termed the entry tax illegal and unjustified, blaming both the AAP government in Punjab and the Congress government in Himachal for allowing tensions to escalate.
Government Response
Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains expressed hope for a resolution through dialogue, noting that both chief ministers have discussed the matter. AAP MLA Dinesh Chadha reiterated his opposition to the entry tax and urged both governments to find a solution soon.
Nihang Ultimatum
The Nihang Singhs have issued a 10-day ultimatum to the Punjab and Himachal governments to resolve the dispute. They warned that if no resolution is reached, the 'Khalsa tax' will be permanently imposed on Himachal vehicles until the entry tax is withdrawn.
Punjab Sangarsh Morcha Convener Gaurav Rana claimed the campaign has exposed public anger and rattled the Himachal government. He questioned delays in implementing a reciprocal tax policy by Punjab and suggested that prolonged inaction has created public doubt about the political handling of the matter.
