The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Bargarh led by its convenor Bhabani Sahu opposed the decision of the municipality to increase holding tax here.
The municipality has imposed a higher tax burden on the people. Under the Municipality Act such a decision is a reprehensible step considering the urban tax payers' financial woes, said Sahu.
Holding taxes, street lighting taxes, water taxes, and latrine taxes are all included in the service. But in many parts of the town, the services are below par, the AAP alleged. Water tax has been collected without supplying water to the people. Similarly taxes are being levied in the city without toilets, the AAP charged and dubbed the hike in holding tax as unreasonable and unjust. The AAP demanded a meeting of the denizens to discuss the holding tax hike and a reasonable tax fixation for the people.
Among others, State secretary AAP Amitabh Patra, Swarup Bhoi, Mamata Behera, Mariyam Barla and Kahirod Bag were present.