BJP Slams GBA Over Software Charge on Property Tax Payers in Bengaluru
Vijayendra said the Congress government had introduced what he termed a new "software tax" with a charge of Rs 200 for residential properties and Rs 1,000 for commercial buildings being added to the annual property tax
Bengaluru: Karnataka BJP president BY Vijayendra has questioned the GBA's proposed software charge on property taxpayers, alleging that the levy lacked transparency and legal justification.
Vijayendra said the Congress government had introduced what he termed a new "software tax" with a charge of Rs 200 for residential properties and Rs 1,000 for commercial buildings being added to the annual property tax.
"What exactly are citizens paying for? Why should people separately fund the government's software system? Where is the legal basis, cost breakup and public accountability, he asked in a post on 'X' on Thursday night.
Calling it "another bill pushed onto taxpayers without a clear explanation", Vijayendra asked the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) to either justify the levy or withdraw it.
"Is this not looting in broad daylight," he asked.
"For Congress Karnataka unit and Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, every new excuse to generate money seems to end at the same destination: the taxpayer's pocket," Vijayendra said.
He also questioned the basis for imposing the charge, saying citizens should be provided details of its purpose, legal basis and cost breakup.
