CPI(M) opposes property tax hike in Andhra Pradesh

The Communist Party of India (Marxist), or CPI(M), is calling on the Andhra Pradesh government to cancel a recent property tax increase. CPI(M) State Secretary V. Srinivasa Rao wrote to Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, urging him to repeal the Municipal Amendment Act 44/2020. This law changed how property tax is calculated from rental value to capital value. Mr. Rao explained that the previous government made this change to secure a loan from the Central government. He argued that this decision unfairly burdens people with higher taxes. Many residents opposed this change when it was first proposed. The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) also criticized it and promised to review the tax if elected. However, the review has not happened. According to Rao, linking property tax to capital value means taxes will keep increasing as property values rise. He noted that property tax has already doubled since the law was passed. This system affects everyone, even those with no changes to their property or who own vacant land. As the financial year ends, residents feel pressured to pay their taxes. Officials warn they will cut off water and drainage services if payments are not made. Rao called this approach unreasonable and requested the government to cancel penalty fees and allow tax payments until the end of May. He urged the Chief Minister to reverse the 15% property tax hike starting in April and repeal the Amendment Act 44/2020 altogether.