Amidst uproar over claims that residents of Himachal Pradesh would face taxation based on the number of toilet seats in their homes, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu clarified that no such “toilet tax” is being imposed. Reports circulating in various media outlets suggested that the state government planned to levy a ₹25 tax per toilet seat on urban residents. These claims were firmly dismissed by Sukhu as “baseless.”
According to the disputed reports, the proposed tax would constitute 25% of a ₹100 water charge imposed on households, leading to widespread concern among residents. However, Sukhu stated, “Before the assembly elections, the BJP held a rally in Himachal Pradesh where they promised free water meters, saying there would be no charge for water consumption.” He emphasized that the Congress government is only proposing a subsidy of ₹100 per family for water access, which would also apply to luxury establishments such as five-star hotels.
The controversy escalated as multiple BJP leaders, including Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, criticized the Congress government for the purported tax. Sitharaman expressed her disbelief, saying, “Unbelievable, if true! Whilst PM (Narendra) Modi ji builds Swachhata as a people’s movement, here is Congress taxing people for toilets! Shame that they didn’t provide good sanitation during their time, but this step will shame the country.”
BJP National General Secretary Tarun Chugh echoed these sentiments, labeling the Congress government’s actions as indicative of “economic bankruptcy, policy bankruptcy, and mental bankruptcy.” He accused the Himachal government of continuously imposing new taxes and restrictions on the populace.
As the debate continues, Chief Minister Sukhu’s assertion that there is no “toilet tax” aims to quell the rising tension among residents. The incident highlights the ongoing political rivalry between the Congress and BJP parties in the state, particularly regarding issues of taxation and public services.
