In a sharp critique of the Congress-led state government, Leader of the Opposition Jairam Thakur on Monday accused the administration of adding to the woes of monsoon-affected citizens by permitting a hike in cement prices. This move comes as thousands in Himachal Pradesh grapple with the aftermath of devastating rains that left a trail of destruction.
A Crucial Time for Price Increase
Jairam Thakur, the former Chief Minister, expressed strong disapproval of the decision to increase cement prices at a time when the state is recovering from a severe monsoon disaster. He highlighted that countless people were rendered homeless, with many more seeing their homes and cattle sheds partially damaged. Thakur argued that raising the cost of a critical rebuilding material like cement during such a critical phase is profoundly unfair and intensifies the hardships faced by those struggling to reconstruct their lives.
Contradictory Policies: Central Relief vs State Tax
Thakur pointed out a glaring policy contradiction. He noted that while the central government, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, had reduced the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on cement to provide relief to consumers, the Himachal Pradesh government has effectively nullified that benefit. The state has imposed additional taxes and levies, which have pushed the final price higher for the common man. The BJP leader also expressed surprise over reports that cement companies pressured their dealers to implement further price hikes.
Labeling the state government's action as "anti-people," Thakur emphasized that it is particularly unjust for the victims of the recent disaster who are in a desperate fight to recover and rebuild. He drew a parallel to a past incident, recalling that during the 2023 tragedy, the government had similarly burdened the public by raising the Value Added Tax (VAT) on diesel.
Allegations of Empathy Deficit and BJP's Stance
The senior BJP leader contended that such policies reveal a lack of empathy for disaster victims and a disregard for their urgent need for rehabilitation. He argued that instead of providing relief, the Congress government's decisions consistently increase the financial strain on affected citizens. Thakur stated that the Bharatiya Janata Party will continue to vigorously fight for the rights of these citizens and oppose all policies that hinder their recovery process instead of facilitating it.
The political confrontation underscores the ongoing tension in Himachal Pradesh's recovery efforts, where the logistics of rebuilding collide with economic policies, putting the spotlight on the state government's approach to crisis management and public welfare.
