Kishau Dam resolves six-decade-old water issue: Anurag Thakur

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The BJP MP also calls for social media regulations, reacts to Rahul Gandhi’s remarks on the BRICS summit

Dharamshala, September 16

Former Union minister and BJP MP Anurag Thakur received a warm welcome from BJP workers at Kangra Airport on Tuesday. Speaking to reporters, he described the Kishau Dam project as a solution to a six-decade-old issue, defended the proposed merchant transaction fee and called for regulations governing social media platforms. Thakur said the issue related to the Kishau Dam project was resolved after a meeting between the Union Home Minister, Union Jal Shakti Minister and the Chief Ministers of six states, held on the directions of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

He said the project would help meet the future demand for water and electricity. Describing it as an example of cooperative federalism, Thakur said the Centre had worked with six states to resolve the long-pending issue.

According to Thakur, the Centre would bear 90 percent of the project cost, while Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand would receive a share of the electricity generated. He accused the Himachal Pradesh government of trying to claim credit for the project, saying Congress governments had failed to resolve the issue over the past 50 to 60 years.

Responding to a question on the proposed 0.4 percent charge on merchant transactions above Rs 2,000, Thakur said digital payments have made life easier for people, and India’s payment system has received global attention.

He said small shopkeepers and ordinary citizens were increasingly using digital payment methods. He added that the proposal needed detailed examination.

Thakur said transactions up to Rs 2,000 would not attract the proposed charge and several categories would remain exempt. He clarified that the proposed fee is related to merchants rather than the consumers, and accused the Congress of misleading people on the issue.

On social media platforms, Thakur said content circulated in the name of creativity and freedom of expression could affect children and young people.

He said several countries have imposed age-related restrictions on children’s social media use. He added that companies operating in India should comply with local laws.

Thakur also called for arrangements to ensure adequate payment to Indian content creators. He said freedom of expression, corporate earnings and the impact of social media on society should be considered together.

Responding to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s statement that border disputes were not discussed at the BRICS summit, Thakur said every international forum had its own agenda and discussions were held accordingly.

He said India was playing a role on international platforms to address global tensions and conflicts. Thakur accused the Congress of questioning India’s achievements in the economy, startup sector, youth development and space programme.

He said the Congress was no longer limited to criticising Prime Minister Narendra Modi but was also questioning the country’s achievements.