Cong MLA likens Char Dham fee to Mughal-era ‘Jaziya’ tax

Dehradun: The Uttarakhand govt is mulling over levying a registration fee on pilgrims for this year's Char Dham Yatra, a move that has drawn sharp political reactions.Congress MLA from Badrinath, Lakhpat Butola, alleged that stakeholders linked to the annual pilgrimage were already incurring heavy losses and said the proposed fee would add to their burden. "This is the first govt to impose a tax in the name of religion. It is akin to a jaziya tax and an attack on Sanatan Dharma," he said.Butola also argued that the state was facing pressing concerns such as migration and gaps in health and education infrastructure, but claimed the govt was attempting to shift focus from these issues. Instead of enhancing facilities for devotees, he said, the administration was "complicating matters" for them.Hitting back, BJP media in-charge Manveer Singh Chauhan accused the Congress of politicising the issue. "The Congress has run out of issues and is trying to stay relevant. Anyone can see the improvement in facilities along the Char Dham route since 2017," he said.Tourism secretary Dhiraaj Singh Garbyal clarified that no final decision has been taken. "The idea of a registration fee was initially discussed as a way to prevent fake registrations and streamline the pilgrimage process. The matter came up during a recent meeting with stakeholders and was subsequently conveyed to the govt."