BJP workers stage protest against property tax hike in Erode

Over 100 BJP cadre were removed by the police when they attempted to lay siege to the Erode Corporation office on Friday (June 23, 2025) in protest against the hike in property tax.

The protest, led by S.M. Senthil, president of the BJP’s Erode South District unit, was staged in the presence of Modakkurichi MLA Dr. C. Saraswathi. The cadre alleged that the civic body had drastically increased property tax for both residential and commercial properties. On March 14, 2025, the party had staged a massive protest at Veerappanchatiram, after which the Corporation held an urgent meeting and passed a resolution recommending that the State government reduce the tax. However, even after three months, no action has been taken, causing hardship to property owners.

When protesters attempted to enter the Corporation office, they were stopped by the police and taken in two vehicles to a nearby marriage hall.

Speaking to the media, Ms. Saraswathi said the tax hike in Erode is significantly higher compared to nearby city corporations like Coimbatore and Tiruchi. “Moreover, there is an annual 6% increase in tax. Tax notices are being issued, and in case of non-payment, electricity and drinking water connections are being disconnected,” she claimed.

She further said that Municipal Administration Minister K.N. Nehru had defended the hike by stating that taxes in Tamil Nadu are lower than in other States and that there had been no revision in the past 10 years. “But from our perspective, why is the increase in Erode so steep compared to other Corporations?” she questioned.

The MLA urged the State government to roll back the tax hike and threatened to intensify protests if the demand was not met.