Thu Mar 20 18:31:12 UTC 2025: ## Bengaluru BJP Slams BBMP’s “Draconian” Property Tax Recovery Measures

**Bengaluru, March 21, 2025** – The Opposition BJP in Karnataka’s Legislative Assembly strongly criticized the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike’s (BBMP) new property tax recovery rules, accusing the civic body of employing excessively harsh methods reminiscent of microfinance institutions.

MLA C.K. Ramamurthy highlighted the sealing of 10,000 properties in Bengaluru for tax arrears, alleging that hefty penalties and coercive measures were being used to recover dues as low as ₹7,000 to ₹12,000. He cited instances of citizens attempting suicide due to the pressure, urging the government to grant more time for tax payments. The BJP also criticized the BBMP’s pursuit of auctions for properties with arrears as little as ₹8,000.

Leader of the Opposition R. Ashok echoed these concerns, calling the rules “uncitizen-friendly.” He pointed out that defaulters face penalties double the original amount, plus a 15% interest rate, characterizing the entire process as an exploitative “meter baddi” system. The BJP criticized the government’s aggressive drive to collect ₹6,000 crore in outstanding property taxes. The opposition is demanding a more lenient approach to tax collection, citing the undue hardship faced by citizens.

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