Comparing the recent hike in holding tax with the jizya tax during the Sultanate days, Congress leader Subodh Kant Sahay declared intense protests to be staged by the party if the recent holding tax hike effected by Ranchi Municipal Corporation is not recalled within two days.
“In the new format, taxpayers will have to pay 250 to 750 per cent of what they were paying for holding tax. This is sheer highhandedness on the part of Bharatiya Janta Party Government,” stated Sahay during a Press briefing on Thursday.
He even urged the public to express their dissent over the holding tax hike in every possible manner. “There has been no improvement in the standard of public services, but the taxes levied in lieu of them have been increasing uncontrollably during BJP Government’s two years in the Centre and one and a half years in Jharkhand. Common man has been having a hard time during the BJP regime,” Sahay said.
Speaking on the recent tension which erupted in Hazaribagh during Ramnavmi festivities, the ex-Member of Parliament called for thorough investigation of the matter by agencies.
“The entire incident in Hazaribagh had been planned two to three days in advance. CDs of controversial songs were distributed to catalyse clashes. Meanwhile, religious figures are issuing statements comparing Hazaribagh to Kashmir. This in itself shows the kind of mentality they have,” he said.
Continuing, he added, “If there was such a huge consignment of explosives was being brought to the city, law enforcement agencies must have had information about it.