BJP and NCP (SP) Oppose TMC Hike in Residential and Commercial Property Tax
The Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) has approved a property tax hike of 12% for residential properties and 20% for commercial properties, triggering sharp opposition from both the BJP and the NCP (SP), who alleged that the decision was passed without adequate discussion.
The proposal was tabled and approved by the civic administration during a general body meeting on Monday. Although BJP corporators objected during the proceedings, the resolution was cleared, leading Deputy Mayor Krishna Dadu Patil to submit a formal letter against the decision to the municipal commissioner and concerned officials.
The letter submitted by Patil was signed by 28 corporators, including BJP group leader Mukesh Madhukar Mokashi. The corporators stated that the tax revision would increase the financial burden on residents already coping with inflation.
The BJP argued that the civic body should focus on collecting pending dues instead of increasing taxes on citizens. According to the party, an estimated ₹1,200 crore to ₹1,500 crore remains unrecovered across multiple civic departments, including property tax, town planning, water supply, advertisement departments, and local body tax (LBT).
Patil stated that several resolutions were hurriedly passed during the general body meeting, including the tax hike proposal. He added that the party plans to approach Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to seek the cancellation of the resolution approving the increase.
The NCP (SP) also criticized the civic administration over the move. Manoj Pradhan, the party's district president, accused the ruling Shiv Sena of failing to deliver on election manifesto promises made to Thane residents, such as a Tata Cancer Hospital, a 260-metre viewing tower along the Kasarvadavali creek, congestion-free travel, and upgraded healthcare facilities.
Pradhan said these promises remained unfulfilled while the administration decided to impose higher taxes on citizens. He warned that the party is prepared to take the protest to the streets if necessary to oppose the property tax increase.
