On Tuesday, the BJP launched a fierce criticism of the Congress-led government in Karnataka, mainly targeting Bengaluru's municipal body for its decision to charge residents a fee for garbage collection. Starting today (April 1), households in Bengaluru will have to pay a user fee for solid waste management services. This decision comes at a time when the prices of essential goods, such as milk, electricity, and public transport fares, have already been increasing in the state.

BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla took to the social media platform X to criticise the Siddaramaiah-led government. He said, "After Toilet Tax in Himachal Pradesh now Congress will charge Garbage Tax in Bengaluru. Khata Khat Model!" Poonawalla also pointed out the continuous price hikes in Bengaluru, calling this another setback for the city's residents. He added, "One more Jhatka by Congress to residents."

On Saturday, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) recently unveiled its budget for 2025-26, which includes a proposal for a garbage management fee and plans to collect property tax starting this year. According to a report by Deccan Herald, the new fee system will have six different categories based on the size of the building. Properties with a built-up area of up to 600 square feet will be charged Rs 10 per month, while buildings larger than 4,000 square feet will incur a monthly fee of Rs 400.

Union minister and Janata Dal (Secular) leader HD Kumaraswamy also criticised the garbage tax in Bengaluru, likening Siddaramaiah's government to the “Karnataka East India Congress Company government" model. He blamed the Karnataka government for using waste management as an excuse to "loot the people," alleging that the true purpose behind the fee was to financially exploit the citizens.

“Even Mahmud of Ghazni and Muhammad Ghori would be ashamed of this price hike invasion on Kannadigas!!," Kumaraswamy commented on X.

The JD(S) leader criticised the government's recent price hikes, calling it the work of a "Price Hike Demon" that is depleting the people's resources. “A massive loot under the guise of waste management," he further said.