Bengaluru’s Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) have launched city-wide protests against the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike’s (BBMP) new property tax calculation method, calling it “arbitrary and unjust.” The revised rule, which bases tax on guidance value instead of built-up area, has led to steep hikes of 30-50% for many homeowners. Over 200 RWAs staged a symbolic “No Tax” protest outside BBMP headquarters, threatening mass non-payment if the policy isn’t revised.

The BBMP defends the change as necessary to boost civic revenues, citing outdated assessments that haven’t kept pace with market values. However, RWAs argue the hike is especially unfair to middle-class housing societies in peripheral zones like Sarjapur and Yelahanka, where infrastructure remains underdeveloped. “We’re being taxed like prime commercial properties but get flooded roads and erratic water supply,” said United Bengaluru RWAs spokesperson Ramesh Babu. The protesters demand either a rollback or phased implementation, along with transparency in how funds will be utilized.

The Karnataka government has formed a 5-member committee to review grievances, with recommendations expected by next month. Meanwhile, the BBMP has warned of 15% penalty charges for delayed payments, escalating the standoff. Political parties have joined the debate, with opposition leaders pledging to raise the issue in the upcoming assembly session. The outcome could set a precedent for other Indian cities considering similar tax reforms.