BJP guns for new property tax system

The BJP would withdraw the controversial capital value-based property tax scheme (CVS) if elected to power in the next assembly elections, a senior leader of the party has said.

There has been widespread opposition from property owners against the CVS in the city since its introduction would raise the property tax three to four times from the existing rates.

"Any government elected by the people should work for its welfare. Unfortunately, the CVS-based property tax was bulldozed in the assembly. Now citizens are worried over the heavy tax rates. We support the withdrawal of the scheme," former minister and BJP leader R Ashok said.

The party is expected to prepare the draft of the election manifesto this week under the guidance of BJP national leader Arun Jaitley, in-charge of the state assembly elections.

The BJP, which has a strong following in the urban areas, plans to take on the Congress and Janata Dal (Secular) by playing up issues like the CVS. It plans to include the withdrawal of the CVS in the election manifesto.

"It is very clear that the Greater Bangalore City Corporation (GBCC) will benefit from this scheme. It does not mean that residential property owners should be fleeced by the GBCC. Let the CVS be levied only on commercial property owners," Ashok contended.