Flaying the decision of PDP-BJP government in Jammu and Kashmir to levy service tax on pilgrims availing of chopper service to Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine, Congress today questioned whether it was Prime Minister Narendra Modi's version of 'Jizya tax'.
Jizya tax was imposed on Hindus during the reign of Mughal emperor Aurangazeb.
"Is this Mr Modi's definition of Jizya tax on pilgrims to Vaishno Devi? Is it BJP-PDP's version of Jizya tax to pilgrims of Vaishno Devi?" party spokesperson Abhishek Singhvi told reporters in New Delhi while slamming the state government's decision.
The PDP-BJP government has levied 12.5 per cent service tax on Vaishno Devi pilgrims traveling from Katra to the revered cave shrine nestled in Trikuta Hills by chopper. Due to this, pilgrims will have to shell out Rs. 2,340 in place of Rs. 2,078 for the two-way journey, according reports.
