Jai Ram Thakur condemns cement price hike amid disaster

Shimla: Leader of opposition Jairam Thakur on Monday criticised the state govt for raising cement prices even as the state reels from a recent monsoon disaster. Thousands of people were rendered homeless, with many more seeing their homes and cattle sheds partially damaged, he added. Thakur said increasing cement prices at such a critical time is unfair and adds to the hardships of those trying to rebuild their lives. The former chief minister expressed surprise that cement companies also pressured dealers to further hike prices. Thakur pointed out that while the central govt, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, reduced goods and service tax (GST) on cement to provide relief, the state govt countered this by imposing additional taxes, pushing prices higher. He called this move "anti-people" and particularly unjust for disaster victims struggling to recover. Thakur emphasised that past actions, such as raising diesel value added tax (VAT) during the 2023 tragedy, similarly burdened the public. He argued that the Congress govt's policies show a lack of empathy for disaster victims and a disregard for their rehabilitation. The BJP, he stated, will continue to fight for the rights of affected citizens and oppose policies that increase their financial strain instead of providing relief.