CPI-M protests tax collection methods in Nellore

Members of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) staged a protest in Nellore city on March 20. They were joined by local residents, demanding an end to the forced collection of property and water taxes. This rally followed rising concerns about increased electricity bills. During the protest, CPI-M leaders accused the Nellore Municipal Corporation (NMC) of harassing citizens over tax payments. Kathi Srinivasulu, the CPI-M city secretary, pointed out that many households are being charged high water taxes despite claims of free drinking water under the government's Jal Jeevan Mission scheme. He called for a stop to forced tax collection and demanded the waiving of high interest on house tax. Nellore Municipal Commissioner Surya Teja has ordered staff to seize properties of tax defaulters. He encouraged residents to settle their dues by the end of the month and suggested that the Revenue Recovery Act be used if needed. Teja aims to improve tax collection and keep NMC among the top civic bodies in the state. This situation has been complicated by a past ruling from the Andhra Pradesh High Court. In 2022, the court ordered the NMC to return ₹34.12 lakh that was forcibly collected from a petitioner. The court described the NMC's actions as unconstitutional. Despite this, the NMC has continued to enforce tax collections aggressively.