Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (KM/RD)

Mangalore, Apr 1: Budget 2008-09 tabled by BJP during the general body meeting of Mangalore City Corporation (MCC) on Friday March 28 is invalid, said Harinath, opposition leader of civic body at a press conference on Monday March 31.   

Putting forth reasons, the opposition leader added that members of the council should have informed of the meeting in advance, but none such measure was taken.  Moreover, the request by the opposition party to put off the meeting received no response from the ruling party at MCC, he added.

Detailing how the opposition party will take the fight forward, Harinath said opinions will be sought from legal advisors. The party would take its own decision if its suggestions are not taken into consideration, Harinath cautioned.

Condemning the measures taken by MCC to implement Self-assessment Scheme (SAS) for property tax, Harinath said it will be a financial burden to the common people of the city. People will be pushed beyond tolerance if the scheme is implemented, he said.

When asked the stand of Congress on SAS, Shashidar Hegde, former mayor, said that Congress was never in favor of the implementation of SAS and it would not change its stand in the future also. The ruling party will have to face strong resistance by Congress, if the scheme ever gets implemented, he warned.

Its stand remains the same in case of hike in water tariff from Rs 50 to Rs 100, he added. 

Other opposition leaders of MCC were present at the press conference.