Townhall Times, New Delhi: The BJP’s scheme to exploit the public through the imposition of a “User Charge” has failed to take off and has now been withdrawn, with the party trying to rebrand it as a step taken for public welfare. In Delhi, property owners already pay a house tax based on property size. However, an additional tax labeled “User Charge” was introduced for garbage collection from streets and lanes. This move triggered strong opposition from the public and political opponents alike, ultimately forcing the authorities to put the plan on hold. Despite this, the BJP is now trying to portray the rollback as a pro-people decision, though in reality, it was nothing but a failed attempt to burden the common man further.
In a meeting held today, Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva and Mayor Sardar Raja Iqbal Singh engaged with various Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) and civil groups regarding the “User Charge” included in the 2025-26 budget that was proposed and passed during the Aam Aadmi Party’s tenure in the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD). Following suggestions and objections raised by citizens, the mayor—on Sachdeva’s request—announced the suspension of the tax collection for now.
In a press conference immediately after the meeting, both BJP leaders publicly announced the decision. They claimed that the Aam Aadmi Party imposed the charge without any public consultation, which was the primary reason behind its widespread opposition. They also highlighted that residents of low-income colonies are already struggling to pay property taxes, and an additional levy like this is unjustified.
Responding to this, AAP Delhi Convener Saurabh Bharadwaj stated that during AAP’s majority in the MCD, a budget was passed with a specific proposal to waive house tax for properties up to 100 square yards and reduce it by half for properties up to 500 square yards. However, this proposal was never implemented, as the BJP-led central government appointed its preferred individual as MCD Commissioner, who instead enforced this burdensome “User Charge,” which in many cases exceeded the actual property tax amount.
Bharadwaj also revealed that the policy for “User Charge” had originally been approved during BJP’s previous tenure in the MCD but was enforced only now under BJP’s influence through the commissioner. Following this, AAP councillors, led by Leader of Opposition Ankush Narang, protested and demanded an immediate rollback of the exploitative tax.
In conclusion, what began as another BJP-led attempt to financially squeeze the citizens through extra taxation has been temporarily shelved due to public outrage, now masquerading as a welfare-oriented decision.
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