People Hit by Repeated Price Hikes Over Four Years; Congress Must Explain ₹90,000 Crore in Debt and Additional Burden, Alleges Bindal
Nahan, October 31, 2026: Himachal Pradesh BJP President Dr. Rajeev Bindal launched a sharp attack on the Congress-led state government, alleging that its four-year tenure had been marked by rising inflation, increased taxes and stalled development works. He claimed that the countdown for the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu-led government had begun as the next Assembly elections approached.
Addressing an intellectuals’ conference at the District BJP Office in Nahan, Bindal alleged that people across the state were struggling with the growing financial burden imposed by the government’s policies.
Repeated Tax Hikes Have Increased People’s Financial Burden
Bindal alleged that the state government had repeatedly increased the financial burden on ordinary citizens over the past four years. He pointed out that an additional VAT of ₹7 per litre on petrol and diesel, followed by a further cess of ₹3 per litre, had increased fuel costs.
He said that instead of providing relief from inflation, the government was imposing additional taxes on the public.
Cement, Electricity and Transport Become Costlier
The BJP president alleged that an additional tax of ₹80 per cement bag had increased construction costs. He also criticised the increase in electricity tariffs, claiming that nearly 16 lakh consumers across the state had been affected.
He further alleged that HRTC fares had increased by up to four times in certain categories, placing an additional burden on economically weaker and middle-class families.
Rising Prices of Essential Commodities and Education
Bindal claimed that prices of pulses, edible oil and other essential commodities available through ration depots had increased, while the availability of certain essential items had also been affected.
He also criticised the increase in stamp duties associated with affidavits and agreements, alleging that ordinary citizens were facing an additional financial burden of ₹500 to ₹1,000.
Rising school fees were another concern raised by him, as he claimed that educating children was becoming increasingly difficult for economically weaker families.
Congress Government Must Explain ₹90,000 Crore, Says Bindal
Raising questions over the state’s financial management, Bindal alleged that the Congress government had taken approximately ₹45,000 crore in fresh loans while imposing an additional financial burden of nearly ₹45,000 crore on people through taxes and increased costs.
“When the government has borrowed so much and collected such a huge amount from the public, where has all this money gone?” he questioned.
He alleged that despite the increased financial burden, development activities across the state had slowed down.
According to Bindal, roads remain in poor condition, schools face shortages of teachers and classrooms, and hospitals lack adequate doctors, medicines, diagnostic facilities and treatment infrastructure. He also highlighted drinking water problems in rural areas and shortages of veterinary doctors and medicines.
Corruption, Nepotism and Political Favouritism Alleged
The BJP leader accused the Congress government of promoting corruption, nepotism and political favouritism. He alleged that benefits were being extended to political associates rather than prioritising public welfare.
He claimed that similar practices were being witnessed at the constituency level, leaving ordinary citizens struggling to access government assistance and services.
Farmers and Horticulturists Facing Difficulties
Bindal also criticised what he described as additional financial burdens through the so-called ‘Chulha Tax’ and increased entry tax.
He alleged that reductions in subsidies and inadequate agricultural support were adversely affecting farmers and horticulturists, despite agriculture and horticulture being important contributors to Himachal Pradesh’s rural economy.
Welfare Schemes and Old-Age Pensions Under Pressure
Raising concerns over social welfare, Bindal alleged that eligible elderly citizens were not receiving old-age pensions on time.
He further claimed that beneficiaries were facing difficulties accessing healthcare and financial assistance under schemes such as Himcare, Ayushman Bharat and Sahara.
He said that while economically weaker families were struggling to access medical treatment and welfare benefits, the government was focusing on political programmes and publicity.
BJP Promises to Raise Public Issues Ahead of 2027 Elections
Concluding his address, Bindal said the people of Himachal Pradesh were seeking accountability from the Congress government for its four-year tenure.
He claimed that voters would respond to the government’s policies through the democratic process in the 2027 Assembly elections.
He reiterated that the BJP would continue to strongly raise issues concerning rising prices, the state’s financial condition, development works and the implementation of public welfare schemes.
The allegations and financial figures cited in the report reflect the statements made by the BJP president and have not been independently verified.
