Shimla, June 5
Himachal Pradesh Public Works Department Minister Vikramaditya Singh has termed the collection of the so-called “Khalsa Tax” from Himachal Pradesh-registered vehicles in Punjab as inappropriate and has called for a peaceful resolution through dialogue between the two states.
Addressing the media, Vikramaditya Singh said the issue would be taken up at the highest level, with Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu expected to discuss it with Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.
The minister emphasized that Himachal Pradesh and Punjab share long-standing social, cultural, and economic ties, and maintaining cordial relations between the neighboring states is of utmost importance. He said that any disputes or misunderstandings should be resolved through constructive dialogue rather than confrontation.
Vikramaditya Singh stressed that both state governments should engage in bilateral discussions to address concerns and remove any confusion surrounding the issue. According to him, residents of border areas are particularly affected by such matters, as people from both states regularly travel, trade, and maintain close social connections across state boundaries.
Highlighting the need to protect public interests, the minister said that border residents should not face unnecessary difficulties due to administrative or policy-related disputes. He urged both governments to work together to find an amicable solution that ensures convenience and relief for the general public.
Expressing optimism, Vikramaditya Singh said he was confident that a positive outcome could be achieved through mutual understanding and cooperation. He reiterated that preserving the spirit of brotherhood and maintaining strong ties between Himachal Pradesh and Punjab should remain the priority of both governments.
The remarks come amid growing concerns over the reported collection of charges from Himachal vehicles in certain areas of Punjab, an issue that has drawn attention from political leaders and residents alike.
Vikramaditya Singh launched a sharp attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its state president Rajeev Bindal over the party’s claims regarding the recent Panchayati Raj election results, while also announcing a series of events to commemorate the birth anniversary of former Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh on June 23.
Addressing the media, Vikramaditya Singh dismissed the BJP’s claims of success in the local body elections, stating that the elections were not contested under party symbols and that no political party could therefore legitimately claim victory. Taking a swipe at Rajeev Bindal, he remarked that “times have changed so much that they are firing from the shoulders of Pradhans,” suggesting that the BJP was relying on elected Panchayat representatives to project political success.
He further challenged the BJP leadership, saying that if they have the confidence and political strength, they should prove it by winning elections directly rather than making claims based on non-party local body contests.
The minister also paid tribute to his late father, Virbhadra Singh, describing him as one of Himachal Pradesh’s most influential leaders who served the state six times as Chief Minister. He expressed gratitude to senior Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu for their support in installing a statue of Virbhadra Singh at Ridge Maidan in Shimla.
Announcing the June 23 commemorative program, Vikramaditya Singh said several public welfare initiatives, including a health check-up camp, would be organized to mark Virbhadra Singh’s birth anniversary. A major highlight of the celebrations will be a one-day professional boxing competition at Ridge Maidan aimed at promoting sports and youth participation.
According to the minister, the event will feature boxers from India and six Central Asian countries, making it one of the prominent sporting events organized in the state this year. The Governor of Himachal Pradesh is expected to inaugurate the tournament.
The commemorative events are expected to draw political leaders, sports enthusiasts, and members of the public as the state remembers the legacy and contributions of former Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh.
