Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (DV)
Mangalore, Mar 20: Newly-elected mayor Mahabala Maarla on Friday March 21 said that the MCC officials had violated the election code of conduct by increasing the self-assessment property tax by 15 percent.
Addressing a press meet at the district Congress office here on Friday, he said, "MCC officials increased the property tax despite being aware of election code of conduct. Though district in-charge minister (Ramanath Rai) had asked the officials to take decision on this matter only after discussing with council representatives, his advice was not followed by the officials. The council representatives were kept in the dark. This is a violation of law.
"Secondly, officials decided to increase the property tax in a meeting held on February 22. On March 6 they published an advertisement in newspaper announcing the increase in tax. This is a violation of the model code of conduct and I have written about this to the district election officer. His reply is awaited."
Maarla further said that the district Congress will keep up the promise made in party manifesto.
Former mayor Shashidhar Hegde said that the hike will be revoked.
Ibrahim Kodijal informed that the district Congress will hold convention at Town Hall here on Monday March 24 at 11.30 am. On the same day at around 9.30 am the party's office for Lok Sabha election campaign will be inaugurated in Exotica building near SCS Hospital.
On this occasion Suresh Ballal, T K Sudhir, Nazeer Bajal and others were present.