OPINION: BJP has become puppet in the hands of Akalis

The Punjab Government led by Akali-BJP alliance has taken a decision to levy property tax on urban areas and it would be applicable with immediate effect.  Simultaneously, the government is also taking a decision to withdraw the facility of sewerage, water bill exemption to the owners up to five marlas.  By not opposing by the BJP in alliance with the Akalis in Punjab Government, it is crystal clear that the BJP is not in opposing mood. 

With this decision of the Punjab Government, there would be financial burden on the urbanities and resentment is likely to come up on this issue against the government and direct loss on this account has to be borne by the BJP. In case we see from the political point of view, the majority of the vote bank of BJP is in the cities whereas Akalis have already established its complete hold in the rural areas. The vote bank of BJP is likely to be affected in case there is a cut on the services already extended in the cities or the facilities available are withdrawn or some new tax is levied.  BJP is normally known as a party of businessmen and BJP has mostly got the votes being always supporter of people in the cities.   When the government was taking the decision of levying of property tax, BJP should have opposed it but this has not happened. 

The political experts are of the view that Akalis have taken the decision to weaken the BJP stand by levying the property tax, taking the excuse of economic crisis in Punjab.  This decision is also against the BJP. 

In case, the BJP is not in a position, to oppose this issue in the Cabinet, then in coming days, it will not be in a position to oppose on the platforms in the coming elections.  The point to be considered is that in case there are financial crisis in the Punjab, why the Punjab Government has not started the free power supply bills from the farmers? Why number of benefits is being extended in the rural areas? Akalis do not have so much influence in the cities that is why; the economic burden is being put on the urban area people. A plan has been prepared to withdraw the exemption of recovery of water and sewerage bills of houses less than five marlas extended during the tenure of Capt Amrinder Singh. 

In fact, BJP has become a puppet in the hands of Akalis and in the coming days, BJP has to face the serious consequences. 

(Disclaimer: The views expressed by the author in this article are his own and do not necessarily reflect the views of City Air News.)