Chandigarh Congress Protests Against Steep Hike in Property Tax, Termination of MC Employees, and Proposed Utility Charges

By 121 News

Chandigarh, April 4, 2025:-The Chandigarh Congress today staged a gherao of the Municipal Corporation office in Sector 17, protesting the unprecedented hike in property tax imposed by the Chandigarh Administration in alleged collusion with the local BJP unit. The protest also addressed the termination of hundreds of Municipal Corporation employees and the proposed increase in water and electricity charges.

Led by Chandigarh Pradesh Congress President H.S. Lucky, a large number of Congress workers assembled at Sector 17 and marched towards the Municipal Corporation office. The protestors carried black flags and placards denouncing the steep rise in property tax and the dismissal of long-serving MC employees.

A substantial police presence prevented the protestors from entering the Corporation building. A minor scuffle ensued between the police and demonstrators. The protestors then sat on a dharna outside the MC office, raising slogans against the BJP and the Chandigarh Administration.

H.S. Lucky strongly condemned the property tax hike, calling it a blatant exploitation of Chandigarh's residents. He stated that this unjustified increase is completely unacceptable and will be fiercely opposed. He challenged the BJP's sincerity by declaring that the Congress's Senior Deputy Mayor, Deputy Mayor, and all its councillors are ready to resign in protest—provided BJP councillors do the same.

He further criticized the local BJP unit for working hand-in-glove with the Chandigarh Administration to impose these financial hardships. He asserted that the residents of Chandigarh are already burdened by a sharp hike in collector rates. Now, with the commercial property tax doubling from 3% to 6% and the residential property tax tripling from 3% to 9%, citizens are being subjected to an unbearable financial strain. This is nothing short of daylight robbery.

He warned that the BJP would be held accountable for these actions, citing the party's recent defeat in the Lok Sabha elections as a sign of growing public dissatisfaction. He predicted a similar backlash in the upcoming Municipal Corporation elections.

Lucky also condemned the termination of hundreds of long-serving MC employees by the BJP-led Corporation, pointing out the contradiction in the Modi government's promise of creating 2 crore jobs annually, while existing jobs in Chandigarh are being taken away. He further criticized the impending increases in the electricity cess and water tariff, saying they would add to the financial burden of the city's residents.

"This is intolerable," he said. He added that the Congress will not remain silent. We urge the people of Chandigarh to raise their voices against these anti-people measures. Post your concerns on social media, make videos, and speak out.

The Congress Party announced that it will continue mobilizing public opinion through protests both within and outside the MC House, along with press conferences and other forms of agitation to bring the issue to light.

The protest saw the participation of the Senior Deputy Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Congress councillors, senior party leaders, and a large number of party workers.