Assam: TMC Criticizes State Govt for Imposing Durga Puja Tax

GUWAHATI: The Assam unit of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) has criticized the state government for imposing fees on Durga Puja committees and idol immersion. As per reports, the government has levied a fee of Rs 300 on each Durga Puja committee and Rs 100 for idol immersion.

Ripun Bora, Assam Trinamool Congress President and former Rajya Sabha MP, expressed his concerns over the government in Assam resorting to taxing various sectors to generate revenue, especially at a time when the state is grappling with debt.

In a video message released today, Bora voiced his deep disappointment regarding the imposition of taxes on sacred and spiritual events like Durga Puja. The Assam Trinamool Congress strongly opposes this decision and urges the state government to revoke it immediately. Bora emphasized that requiring people to pay taxes for the worship of Goddess Durga is regrettable, and he called on the government to reconsider its decision.

It's worth noting that the state government has mandated a fee of Rs 300 for each Durga Puja and Rs 100 for idol immersion, effective from this afternoon. Puja committees will only be allowed to conduct or immerse the puja after making this payment through treasury challans.

In other news, Jayanta Kumar Das, the Vice President of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Assam, has assumed the role of BJP President (in-charge) for the state. This interim appointment comes in light of the absence of the current BJP President for Assam, Bhabesh Kalita. Reports regarding this leadership transition surfaced on Friday. The decision to temporarily entrust Jayanta Kumar Das with the responsibilities of the party's president follows the unfortunate passing of Bhabesh Kalita's mother, Jamuna Deka. She passed away on September 16 at the age of 90, following an extended period of illness.

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