Congress protests property tax hike in Bengaluru

Bengaluru: Congress leaders staged a protest here on Monday against taxes hiked by Bengaluru Brihat Mahanagara Palike (BBMP).

State Congress president D.K. Shivakumar questioned the BBMP's decision at a time a cross section of people lost income to Covid-19. The Congress workers walked from the Mysuru Bank Circle to the corporation's headquarters.

"Congress has declared this year as a year of struggle and agitation taking into account the local issues of all sectors. The State problem is different. Local issues are different. People have been hit by coronavirus. Hardly any business is running normal. When we ask for tax waiver they increase it," he said.

Equating the style of functioning of the government with Tughlaq rule, the KPCC president said the contractors were suffering a lot as their bills were pending and the cost of construction of a home tripled. He further stated that corruption was rampant in the government offices.

Former State home minister Ramalinga Reddy who took part in the protest said Hyderabad civic body gave 50 per cent tax concession to the people in view of Covid-19 hardships.

"We should take the example of the neighbouring State and give relief to the people hard hit by the virus, he said.