BJP Accuses Karnataka Govt of ‘Tax Chori’ Amid Bengaluru Civic Crisis
Bengaluru citizens demand action against tax misuse and poor infrastructure.
In a fiery escalation of political tensions in Karnataka, the state BJP, led by Leader of Opposition R Ashoka, has accused the Congress-led government under Chief Minister Siddaramaiah of engaging in "tax chori" (tax theft). The allegation comes as a sharp retort to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s recent "vote chori" (vote theft) claims against the BJP and the Election Commission, referencing alleged irregularities in the 2023 Assembly polls and 2024 Parliamentary elections in Karnataka’s Aland and Mahadevpura constituencies.
Ashoka, in a scathing attack, pointed to a letter from the Individual Tax Payers Forum, representing residents of Bengaluru’s Varthur-Balagere-Panathur area, which was sent to Siddaramaiah on October 13. The forum demanded that the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) halt property tax collection until the government addresses the "unscientific and incomplete" civic works plaguing their neighborhoods. Residents have cited persistent issues like flooding, poor road conditions, and inadequate stormwater drainage, blaming these on the municipal authorities’ "half-measured and poorly coordinated" efforts.
"Mr. Rahul Gandhi, Bengaluru has a new slogan: CONGRESS TAX CHOR HAI!" Ashoka declared in a post on X, accusing the Congress government of collecting taxes without delivering essential infrastructure like roads and drains. He described the situation as unprecedented, claiming that Bengaluru citizens are so frustrated they are urging the government to "stop stealing our money" until tangible improvements are made.
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Ashoka further criticized Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar for their "apathy," which he said has left Bengaluru’s residents fed up. "Bengaluru deserves action, not excuses and intimidation," he emphasized, calling for immediate steps to address the city’s crumbling infrastructure.
The accusations come amid growing public discontent over Bengaluru’s civic woes, with prominent industry leaders like former Infosys CFO Mohandas Pai and Biocon Chairperson Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw publicly urging the state government to act swiftly. The city, often hailed as India’s tech capital, has faced mounting criticism over its deteriorating roads, traffic chaos, and inadequate civic amenities, which have severely impacted residents’ quality of life.
The Individual Tax Payers Forum’s letter underscores the growing unrest, accusing the government of mismanaging taxpayer funds while failing to deliver basic services. The forum’s plea has resonated with many in Bengaluru, amplifying calls for accountability and transparency in how tax revenues are utilized.
As of now, the ruling Congress has not responded to Ashoka’s allegations, leaving the political slugfest unresolved. With Bengaluru’s infrastructure crisis taking center stage, the BJP’s "tax chori" charge is likely to intensify the ongoing war of words between the two parties, further fueling public debate over governance and accountability in Karnataka.
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