R Ashoka Accuses Congress Govt of 'Tax Chori' in Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Oct 21 (PTI) - R Ashoka, a BJP leader and the Leader of Opposition in the Karnataka Assembly, has launched a scathing attack on the Congress government, accusing it of "Tax Chori" or tax theft. He asserted that Bengaluru is in dire need of improvements for its infrastructure problems and cannot afford mere excuses or intimidation from those in power.

Ashoka's remarks were fueled by a letter from a citizens' forum, which called on Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to stop the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) from collecting property taxes from residents. The forum claims that "unscientific and incomplete" civic projects are causing flooding and deteriorating road conditions in their localities.

The "tax chori" allegation is perceived as a rebuttal to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's accusation of "vote chori" or vote theft against the BJP and the Election Commission.

"Mr Rahul Gandhi, Bengaluru has adopted a new slogan: CONGRESS TAX CHOR HAI!" Ashoka posted on 'X', asserting that while the government collects taxes, it fails to construct roads or repair drains.

He further commented, "Due to the negligence of CM Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM D K Shivakumar, the citizens of Bengaluru are frustrated and demanding: STOP THIS TAX CHORI!"

Ashoka highlighted the unprecedented nature of citizens writing to the CM insisting, "stop collecting our taxes until you stop stealing our money!" He emphasized, "Bengaluru deserves action, not excuses and intimidation."

The letter from the "Individual Tax Payers Forum", dated October 13, addressed to the chief minister, claims declining conditions due to "half-measured, unscientific, and poorly coordinated" civic projects, like road white-topping and stormwater drainage works, executed by local municipal authorities in the Varthur-Balagere-Panathur area.

The state government is under fire for the city's neglected infrastructure, particularly roads and traffic issues. Industry veterans such as former Infosys CFO Mohandas Pai and Biocon Chairperson Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw have frequently urged the state government to take immediate corrective actions.