In a sharp political retort, BJP leader R. Ashoka has accused the Karnataka government, led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, of “tax chori” (tax theft). This accusation comes in the wake of a recent letter from a citizens’ forum highlighting the city’s severe infrastructure issues and questioning the collection of property taxes. Ashoka, who is also the Leader of Opposition in the Karnataka Assembly, stated that Bengaluru citizens are frustrated with the government’s perceived inaction and are demanding a halt to property tax collection until civic issues are addressed.
The controversy was sparked when residents from the Varthur-Balagere-Panathur area, represented by the “Individual Tax Payers Forum,” wrote to the Chief Minister on October 13. Their letter detailed suffering caused by “half-measured, unscientific, and poorly coordinated” road and stormwater drainage works, which have led to significant flooding and deteriorating road conditions in their locality. This situation has drawn criticism from various industry leaders, including former Infosys CFO Mohandas Pai and Biocon Chairperson Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, who have urged the state government to intervene promptly.
Ashoka’s allegations are also seen as a counter-response to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s “vote chori” charge, which had targeted the BJP and the Election Commission, referencing alleged irregularities in past elections in Karnataka. Ashoka directly addressed Rahul Gandhi on social media platform ‘X’, declaring, “Bengaluru has a new slogan: CONGRESS TAX CHOR HAI! (Congress is tax thief).” He emphasized that despite tax collection, essential civic works like road construction and drain maintenance remain neglected. The BJP leader further criticized the state government’s alleged apathy, stating that citizens are fed up and demanding an end to this “tax chori.” Ashoka remarked that it’s unprecedented for citizens to directly ask the Chief Minister to stop collecting taxes until their money is not “stolen.” He concluded by asserting that Bengaluru requires concrete action, not mere excuses or intimidation.
The ruling Congress party has not yet issued an official response to Ashoka’s accusations.