Is Himachal Govt going to charge tax for toilet seats! BJP vs Congress on allegations

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Friday dismissed reports suggesting that the state government had imposed a new "toilet seat tax." Calling the reports "baseless" and "far from the facts," Sukhu clarified that no such tax exists, emphasizing that the government is only charging a nominal fee of ₹100 per water connection.

The controversy erupted after media reports claimed that the government was planning to collect a fee of ₹25 per toilet seat for households in urban areas. This sparked widespread debate, with Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman reacting strongly on social media. "Unbelievable, if true! Whilst PM Modi builds Swachhata as a people’s movement, here is Congress taxing people for toilets!" she posted on X.

In response, the Himachal Pradesh Jal Shakti Department issued a statement, clarifying that the reports were false. The department reiterated that the recent notification was related to water charges, and no new tax had been imposed regarding toilet seats. The department's goal remains to achieve 100% water connectivity and reduce pollution through proper sewage treatment.

CM Sukhu also took the opportunity to criticize opposition parties for spreading misinformation, accusing them of politicizing the issue ahead of elections in neighboring Haryana. He stressed that the state is focusing on providing essential services despite facing a severe financial crisis in recent months.