Property tax hike unjustified, will oppose it, says Congress

The city Congress has flayed the unprecedented hike in property tax imposed by the Chandigarh Administration, termination of hundreds of MC employees and the proposed increase in water and electricity charges.

Chandigarh Pradesh Congress president HS Lucky condemned the property tax hike, calling it a blatant exploitation of Chandigarh residents. He stated, “This unjustified increase is completely unacceptable and will be fiercely opposed.” He challenged the BJP’s sincerity by declaring that the Congress’s Senior Deputy Mayor, Deputy Mayor and all its councillors were ready to resign in protest, provided BJP councillors do the same.

He further criticised the local BJP unit for working hand-in-glove with the Chandigarh Administration to impose these financial hardships. “The residents of Chandigarh are already burdened by a sharp hike in collector rates. Now, with the commercial property tax doubling from 3 per cent to 6 per cent and the residential property tax tripling from 3 per cent to 9 per cent, people are being subjected to an unbearable financial strain. This is nothing short of daylight robbery,” Lucky asserted.

He warned that the BJP would be held accountable for these actions, citing the party’s recent defeat in the Lok Sabha elections as a sign of growing public dissatisfaction. He predicted a similar backlash in the upcoming MC elections.

Lucky also condemned the termination of hundreds of long-serving MC employees. He further criticised the impending increases in the electricity cess and water tariff, saying that they would add to the financial burden of the residents.

“This is intolerable,” he said. “The Congress will not remain silent. We urge the people of Chandigarh to raise voice against these anti-people measures. Post your concerns on social media, make videos and speak out.”

The Congress announced that it would continue to mobilise public opinion through protests both within and outside the MC house and other forms of agitation to bring the issues to light.

Chandigarh