Mangaluru : Scores of BJP corporators and leaders on Wednesday staged a protest in front of the Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) condemning the council’s decision to hike tax under self-assessment scheme (SAS) and drinking water cess.

The corporators led by opposition leader in the council Roopa D Bangera lambasted ruling Congress party led by Mayor K Harinath for failing to keep the promise made in the election manifesto during the hustings to corporation elections.

The party had vouched not to hike any cess, if voted to power. Now, the party is in the power, but has reneged on the promise thus overburdening the people who have been already reeling under many difficulties.

Bangera said that the development works have taken a beating in the city, for the crores of rupees allotted under Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) scheme are being diverted towards repair works. Mayor should tender apology in public for failing on all fronts, Bangera demanded further.

Former minister Krishna J Palemar criticised the mayor for passing the buck on BJP for proposing hike in taxes during the tenure of then mayor Ganesh Hosabettu (from BJP). The party, instead of safeguarding the interests of the people, has been protecting the people who have been cheating innocents.

It’s high time the council decides on revoking the order on hike in taxes—15% of SAS tax and 100% for drinking water cess, demanded Palemar. Deputy Mayor Sumitra Kariya, former MLC Monappa Bhandary, corporator Premanand Shetty and other leaders took part in the protest.