BJP criticizes BBMP's harsh property tax enforcement in Bengaluru

The Opposition party, BJP, has criticized new rules by the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) aimed at recovering property taxes. They compared these rules to harsh tactics used by microfinance companies to collect loans. During a discussion on the state budget for 2025-26, BJP member C.K. Ramamurthy mentioned that around 10,000 properties in Bengaluru have been sealed due to unpaid taxes. He said that some government officials have imposed severe penalties and are using aggressive methods to collect taxes. Ramamurthy claimed properties with tax dues as low as ₹7,000 to ₹12,000 are being sealed and set for auction. He called for the government to give citizens more time to pay their taxes. Ramamurthy expressed concern for the people in his constituency, Jayanagar, stating there have been suicide attempts related to the stress caused by the tax recovery measures. He highlighted the government's goal to raise ₹6,000 crore from taxes as a driving force behind these actions. Leader of the Opposition R. Ashok also criticized the regulations put in place by the BBMP. He stated that defaulters face penalties that are double the amount owed, along with a 15% interest rate. Ashok accused the government of exploiting citizens through these high fees, describing it as an unfair business practice.