Why is Karnataka BJP Criticizing the Property Registration Fee Increase?

Bengaluru, Aug 30 (NationPress) The Karnataka BJP has strongly criticized the state government's decision to raise the property registration fee from 1 percent to 2 percent, labeling it 'tax terrorism' and 'registration robbery'.

State BJP President B. Y. Vijayendra asserted on Saturday that under the Karnataka government, price increases and corruption have become commonplace.

"Residents of the state are now living in a state of anxiety, questioning 'what will become more expensive while we sleep?' The government, which has been unable to stabilize Karnataka's financial situation and is nearing bankruptcy, seems to think that hiking prices is its only viable strategy, thereby continuously adding to the burdens faced by ordinary citizens," Vijayendra stated.

Previously, a significant rise in stamp duty had dashed the hopes of many aspiring homeowners. Now, by raising registration fees, the government is essentially engaging in what can only be termed as registration robbery, he added.

"I categorically denounce this decision. In Karnataka's history, never has there been a more tyrannical government than the current one," he remarked.

With a record of unfulfilled promises and ineffective schemes, the government has drained the state's treasury and is now resorting to daily price hikes, increasing hardships for the citizens, he argued.

Ordinary citizens involved in property transactions, such as sale deeds, GPA registrations, joint development agreements, non-possession agreements, and usufruct agreements, are now required to pay 2 percent in registration fees. The general populace, already struggling with rising costs, is expressing their frustration toward this government, he asserted.

The government must immediately reverse the increase in registration fees, or it will face the anger of the public, he cautioned.

State General Secretary and BJP MLA V. Sunil Kumar accused, "The Congress government has surpassed even the bandits of the Chambal Valley in its exploitation of the common people. From cess on fuel, parking taxes, and rising water rates to numerous other levies, the Siddaramaiah administration is executing a form of tax terrorism."

Remarkably, just a day following the Ganesh festival celebrations, the government has raised the registration and stamp duty fees from 1 percent to 2 percent. This change will take effect statewide starting Monday, he added.

In a similar vein, the admission fees for PG courses at Mangalore University have also been increased. According to Sunil Kumar, the Congress government has created a scenario where escaping the drought of price hikes seems nearly impossible.

It is estimated that the state government is generating Rs 56,000 crore annually through this tax terrorism. But where is all this revenue going? Sunil Kumar wondered.