Collection of toll tax on National Highways is illegal; matter to be taken up with the centre: Dr. Subhash Sharma

Nangal(The Uttam Hindu) : Dr. Subhash Sharma, Vice President of the Punjab BJP, who attended a sit-in protest held on Wednesday at the National Highway in Mehatpur against the entry toll tax imposed by the Himachal government, launched a scathing attack on this system, terming it completely illegal and anti-people. He stated that this tax runs contrary to the citizens' fundamental right to freedom of movement guaranteed by the Constitution, and that such collections at state borders within the same country constitute a gross injustice against the general public.

He noted that thousands of people in the border regions commute daily for employment, business, and other essential purposes, and this toll tax is having a direct economic impact on them. Consequently, the daily routines of common people are being disrupted, and their hardships are constantly mounting.

Dr. Subhash Sharma reiterated that Satpal Singh Satti—former Himachal Pradesh BJP President and MLA from Una—has already made it clear that this unjust toll tax regime will be abolished the moment a BJP government is formed in Himachal. He added that he himself fully supports this declaration and that efforts will be made at every level to ensure its implementation. He urged the Chief Minister of Himachal to respect the sentiments of the public and immediately abolish this tax; otherwise, this agitation could escalate into a broader movement, for which the government would bear full responsibility. He also clarified that should an indefinite sit-in protest be initiated, he would personally join it to extend his full support to the protesters.

Raising questions regarding the role of the Punjab government, he remarked that current circumstances indicate a lack of effective dialogue with the Himachal government. He emphasized that the Punjab government must take this issue seriously and immediately initiate concrete discussions to provide relief to the people from this unjust tax.

Dr. Subhash Sharma asserted that imposing such a toll tax on a National Highway runs counter to the spirit of the law, and he vowed to take this matter up with the Central Government. He stated that he would meet with Nitin Gadkari, the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, to bring the entire matter to his attention, thereby ensuring that such illegal extortion is put to a halt.

He asserted that democratically elected governments, under no circumstances, have the right to exploit the public by imposing taxes through unlawful means. Terming this practice a violation of democratic values, he emphasized that such a system must be abolished immediately.

Taking aim at the Sukhu government in Himachal Pradesh, Dr. Subhash Sharma remarked that the administration must shed its arrogance of power and heed the voice of the people. He noted that the people of Punjab have now taken to the streets, and their demands are entirely legitimate. In light of this, the government must respect public sentiment and immediately cease this coercive collection of toll taxes to prevent the situation from escalating further.