Mysuru: With speculations rife over JDS MLA G. T. Devegowda all set to join Congress, Former Minister and JD (S) MLA Sa Ra Mahesh on Saturday November 13 said “JDS will fight forthcoming Legislative Council election from Mysuru-Chamarajanagara local bodies constituency under the leadership of GT D.”
Speaking to mediapersons he said that JD (S) may field surprise candidate from G. T. Devegowda’s family. He said Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) has put up a list of businessmen who have not paid tax. He wondered if this is a wise move to collect the taxes.
He said, “Administration in MCC has gone haywire. The percentage of tax is unscientific which is more than BBMP. I want to know who gave MCC officials permission to collect such huge taxes? Eight theatres in the City have stopped functioning and many businesses have taken a beating. For my convention hall, according to law, they should have collected Rs l. 4 lakh but they want me to pay Rs 8.75 lakh. Many businessmen have gone to the court.”
Mahesh said, “Due to various reasons, many have not paid taxes for the last 5-6 years. If the tax is levied according to the norms, people will pay. There is a proper way to collect tax but is non-payment a crime? If this leads to lawlessness, MCC will be held responsible.”
The JD (S) leader said, “District In-charge Minister S. T. Somashekar should convene a meeting immediately. “If nothing comes through, we will resort to protests in the coming days.”
Mahesh said he has spoken to Somashekar and MP Pratap Simha regarding the same.
