Has the Congress-led government made Bengaluru pricier than Dubai?

Bengaluru, May 28 (NationPress) The Karnataka BJP has accused the Congress-led government of making Bengaluru more costly than Dubai through tax hikes and increased prices.

A BJP delegation presented a memorandum to BBMP Commissioner Tushar Girinath on Wednesday, protesting against the proposed significant increases in waste disposal fees. They demanded a gathering of Bengaluru MLAs to clarify the reasons behind the tax hike and to outline the specific rate increases.

The party urged the reversal of the proposed garbage cess and called for greater transparency in waste management. They labeled the proposed cess as government-sanctioned exploitation, placing the blame on Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, who also oversees Bengaluru's development.

Leader of the Opposition, R. Ashoka, claimed that the Congress party aims to “profit from waste,” asserting, “It is this government that has implemented the highest waste disposal taxes in the nation.”

He emphasized that the Congress-led administration has rendered Bengaluru more expensive than Dubai.

Ashoka noted that Rs 240 crore is being raised through the waste cess, while the waste management contract is only Rs 145 crore. If user fees are included, total revenue could reach between Rs 500 and 600 crore.

Ashoka questioned, “From where will you collect these fees and damage homes?”

He highlighted that in other states, either cess or user fees are typically collected, not both, which he found objectionable.

This situation, he warned, could lead to higher rents and disputes between tenants and landlords.

“Under our governance, the cess was based on the weight of the garbage (per kg). Now, fees are charged based on the square footage,” he criticized.

“This approach is designed to secure funds for themselves,” he alleged.

He insisted on holding a meeting of Bengaluru MLAs to discuss the tax hike reasons and the details of the rate increases before implementation. He reiterated the BJP’s request to charge waste fees based on weight (kg) instead of area (square foot).

“If not, the curse of Bengaluru’s citizens will fall upon you,” Ashoka warned.

“Cities like Chennai, those in Maharashtra, and Kochi do not impose such high taxes. Just to secure financial backing, the Congress is burdening Bengaluru’s residents,” he added.

He further criticized the rising costs of everyday items, stating that “touching electricity now feels like a shock” due to the price increases.

“They are not builders of homes; they are destroyers,” Ashoka declared.

He added, “Previously, Kempe Gowda was known as the city’s founder. The Congress has now earned the title of destroyers of the state.”

The BJP delegation included various leaders such as Chalawadi Narayanaswamy, C.N. Ashwath Narayan, MLAs K. Gopalaiah, S. Raghu, S. Muniraju, and others.