Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has sparked a fresh political controversy by alleging the existence of an unofficial “Abhishek tax” imposed on truck drivers entering and exiting West Bengal.
Speaking on the issue, Sarma claimed that truck drivers traveling to Assam are routinely forced to pay what is being referred to as the “Abhishek tax” at multiple points along the route. According to him, these payments are allegedly collected both at the time of entry into West Bengal and while exiting the state.
When truck drivers from Bengal cross over to Assam they complain that they have to pay some “Abhishek Tax” near Siliguri. #BengalElections2026 pic.twitter.com/WNTerzAMqo
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) April 25, 2026
The remarks are expected to intensify the political confrontation between the ruling parties of Assam and West Bengal, with potential implications for interstate transport and trade. As of now, there has been no official response from the West Bengal government regarding these allegations.
