Mangalore, Mar 20: MCC officials have violated the election code of conduct by increasing the self-assessment property tax by 15 percent, said newly-elected mayor Mahabala Maarla on Friday March 21.
“Despite being aware of election code of conduct, MCC officials increased the property tax,” said mayor while addressing a press meet at the district Congress office here on Friday. He added, though district in-charge minister (Ramanath Rai) had asked the officials to take decision on this matter only after discussing with council representatives, his advice was not followed by the officials. The council representatives were kept in the dark. This is a violation of law.
Mayor mentioned that, “Publishing an advertisement in newspaper regarding the increase in tax on March 6 is a violation of the model code of conduct and I have written about this to the district election officer. His reply is awaited.”
Maarla further said that the district Congress will keep up the promise made in party manifesto and the hike will be revoked.
Ibrahim Kodijal informed that the district Congress will hold convention at Town Hall here on Monday March 24 at 11.30 am. On the same day at around 9.30 am the party’s office for Lok Sabha election campaign will be inaugurated in Exotica building near SCS Hospital.
On this occasion former mayor Shashidhar Hegde , Suresh Ballal, T K Sudhir, Nazeer Bajal and others were present.