Congress makes king move in Choornikkara panchayat; headache for LDF

THIRUVANANATHAPURAM: Putting the left-front government in a fix, the Congress-led corporations in the state have decided to impose lesser building tax than the normal standards. As a start, the Congress-led panchayat in Choornikkara has brought the rule into effect. Adopting this rule to more places of Congress dominance will be a headache to left parties as more people will surely sway sides towards Congress in the coming elections. Congress looks to make the rule complete in many places just before the decisive Lok sabha elections in 2024.

The application fees, permit, and layout scrutiny fees will be brought down in congress-ruled departments in the state. In panchayats, the building tax per sq ft is Rs 6-10. In corporations, the rate is Rs 8-17. Congress ruled corporations and panchayats will adopt the lowest price suggested by the government thus making the reduction in fees conform to legal terms.