BJP to take to the streets; Warning issued to Govt in Protest against Petrol-Diesel Cess, Entry Tax

March 31, 2026

Launching a scathing attack on the Congress government, BJP State President Dr. Rajiv Bindal stated that by imposing a cess of ₹5 on petrol and diesel in Himachal—in addition to the existing VAT—the government is continuously looting the pockets of the public.

He asserted that this decision by the government has severely impacted everyone, including the common man, traders, taxi operators, bus owners, and truck unions.

He further noted that a heavy burden has also been placed on vehicles—both small and large—under the guise of an ‘entry tax,’ a move that is facing opposition even in the neighboring states of Punjab and Haryana. Consequently, external pressure is mounting on Himachal’s traders and those involved in the transport sector, and a crisis looms over their livelihoods.

Issuing a stern warning, Dr. Bindal declared that if the government does not immediately withdraw the cess imposed on petrol and diesel, as well as the hike in the entry tax, the Bharatiya Janata Party will stage protests and dharnas across all 68 assembly constituencies of the state on April 8, 9, 10, and 11.

He affirmed that the BJP stands firmly with the public under all circumstances and will take to the streets to oppose this unjust burden of inflation. He alleged that the Congress government has caused financial distress to every section of society through massive hikes in electricity tariffs, increased stamp duties, and rising prices of rations and cement, thereby creating an atmosphere of chaos within the state.

Meanwhile, expressing his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Dr. Bindal remarked that the special financial assistance of ₹3,920 crore provided to Himachal Pradesh by the Central Government comes as a major relief to the state.

He pointed out that this assistance was not extended to all states; rather, among the select few states that received aid, Himachal was granted the highest level of support—a fact that underscores the Prime Minister’s special affection for the state. He noted that, due to the actions of the Congress government, the state’s budget had shrunk from ₹58,000 crore to ₹54,000 crore; however, thanks to this special assistance from the Centre, the budget has now been restored to the ₹58,000 crore level.

In conclusion, Dr. Bindal stated that this assistance would inject fresh momentum into the state’s stalled development projects, and the BJP would ensure that the interests of Himachal are never compromised.