BJP records strong dissatisfaction over hike in trade license fees & shop rent

GANGTOK, : State BJP president DR Thapa on Tuesday expressed a strong dissatisfaction with the recent hike in trade licence fees, shop rent, electricity bills, and garbage charges across urban and rural Sikkim.

Thapa recorded the party’s dissatisfaction while speaking on local issues during an awareness programme organized by the State BJP on the recently passed Waqf Amendment Act 2025 at the State BJP office in Singtam.

In his address, the State BJP president highlighted the financial strain on Sikkimese citizens, exacerbated by delayed MGNREGA wages, dairy incentives and pensions, a State BJP press release informs.

Calling the State government’s fee hike as insensitive, Thapa urged the Chief Minister to reconsider these hikes and ensure timely disbursal of wages and incentives to provide relief and stability to residents.

The Waqf Amendment Act workshop was attended by State BJP executives, workers and representatives from the Muslim community. The programme focused on explaining the key features of the Waqf Amendment Act and highlighting the Modi government’s inclusive approach toward empowering marginalized communities, the release mentions.

The State BJP president welcomed the Waqf Amendment Act, emphasizing its potential to uplift the marginalized Muslim community across India by enhancing transparency and efficiency in Waqf property management. He lauded the Modi government’s commitment to inclusive development, aligning with the vision of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’.

State BJP general secretary Arjun Rai opened the programme by detailing the key provisions of the Waqf Amendment Act, underscoring its role in modernizing Waqf administration and safeguarding community rights. He reiterated the Modi government’s dedication to equitable development for all communities, the release mentions.

During the event, several prominent personalities, including retired government officials, former panchayat members, and workers from regional parties officially joined the BJP. They were warmly welcomed into the party by the State BJP president and executives, expressing confidence that their experience and commitment would strengthen BJP’s mission in Sikkim.