Indore (Madhya Pradesh): In a strong display of public dissent, the Congress staged simultaneous protests at all 22 zonal offices of Indore Municipal Corporation on Wednesday, opposing the recent hike in property tax and water charges. Party leaders, workers, and local residents gathered in large numbers, raising slogans and demanding the rollback of the tax increase.
The protests were led by Madhya Pradesh Congress president Jitu Patwari, Indore Congress in-charge Ravi Joshi, and former minister Sajjan Singh Verma. A memorandum was submitted at each zonal office, addressed to Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav, urging immediate withdrawal of the tax hikes.
Leader of Opposition in Indore Municipal Corporation, ChintuChouksey and City Congress President Surjeet Singh Chaddha highlighted that the Corporation has altered property tax slabs, resulting in a 20% to 60% increase for different property categories based on rental purchase value. Additionally, the monthly water tax for domestic 0.5-inch pipeline connections has been raised from Rs 200 to Rs 300 a steep 50% hike.
Chouksey criticised the move, stating that this increase comes even though half the city lacks proper Narmada water supply, and where supply exists, residents are facing issues due to drainage mixing with tap water.
