'Khata Khat Model': BJP Slams Congress-led Karnataka Govt Over Bengaluru's New Garbage Tax

Last Updated:April 01, 2025, 09:52 IST

From today (April 1), households in Bengaluru will be required to pay a fee for garbage collection

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. (PTI file photo)

The BJP on Tuesday launched a strong attack on the Congress-led government in Karnataka, criticising Bengaluru’s municipal body’s decision to impose a fee for garbage collection on all city residents.

From today (April 1), households in Bengaluru will be required to pay a user fee for solid waste management (SWM) services. This move comes at a time when prices of essential items, including milk, electricity tariffs, and public transport fares, have already been rising in the state.

Taking to social media platform X, BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla slammed the Siddaramaiah-led government, stating, “After Toilet Tax in Himachal Pradesh now Congress will charge Garbage Tax in Bengaluru. Khata Khat Model!"

Poonawalla also pointed out the ongoing hikes in Bengaluru, calling this yet another blow to the city’s residents. “One more Jhatka by Congress to residents," he added.

On Saturday, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) had proposed the garbage management fee in its budget for 2025-26, alongside plans to collect property tax from the same year.

According to a report by Deccan Herald, the new fee structure includes six different slabs based on the size of the building. Properties with up to 600 square feet of built-up area will pay Rs 10 per month, while buildings larger than 4,000 square feet will pay Rs 400 monthly.

ALSO READ: Bengaluru’s Municipal Corporation Unveils Rs 19,930 Crore Budget For FY 2025-26

Congress ‘Real Intent’ To Loot People

Union minister and Janata Dal (Secular) leader HD Kumaraswamy also joined the criticism of the garbage tax in Bengaluru, comparing Siddaramaiah’s government to the “Karnataka East India Congress Company government" model.

He accused the Karnataka government of using the pretext of waste management to “loot the people," claiming the real intent behind the fee was to exploit the citizens financially.

“Even Mahmud of Ghazni and Muhammad Ghori would be ashamed of this price hike invasion on Kannadigas!!," Kumaraswamy remarked on X.

Regarding recent price hikes in the state, the JD(S) leader condemned the government’s actions as that of a “Price Hike Demon" draining the resources of the people.

“A massive loot under the guise of waste management," he added.

News politics 'Khata Khat Model': BJP Slams Congress-led Karnataka Govt Over Bengaluru's New Garbage Tax