BJP cries foul over parking fee: Says it’s ‘Modern Jiziya,’ calls CM ‘a price hike Sultan’

A recent move by the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) to impose a parking fee on vehicles parked within residential premises has sparked widespread outrage across Karnataka. BJP likened the new levy to the historical Jiziya tax imposed by Mughal emperor Aurangzeb—a controversial tax that targeted non-Muslims during his reign.

Also read: Bengaluru: BBMP clarifies parking tax revision, issues draft notification

The comparison draws on the perceived injustice of taxing people for simply owning and parking their own vehicles at home. Critics argue the measure mirrors the oppressive spirit of the Jiziya, which was widely condemned as discriminatory and exploitative.

"This is no different from the tyrannical levies of the past," said a BJP post. “What’s next—charges for sunlight?”

Now, Kannadigas have to pay BBMP for parking their vehicle, which they own, in their own house!

What’s next? A surcharge on sunlight?

Just like Aurangzeb’s Jiziya tax burdened Hindus to fund his empire, Congress' Price Hike Sultan @siddaramaiah is looting Kannadigas with… pic.twitter.com/xYoKqDeuyG

— BJP Karnataka (@BJP4Karnataka)

Now, Kannadigas have to pay BBMP for parking their vehicle, which they own, in their own house!

What’s next? A surcharge on sunlight?

Just like Aurangzeb’s Jiziya tax burdened Hindus to fund his empire, Congress' Price Hike Sultan @siddaramaiah is looting Kannadigas with… pic.twitter.com/xYoKqDeuyG

— BJP Karnataka (@BJP4Karnataka) April 2, 2025

">April 2, 2025

Opposition leaders have slammed the Siddaramaiah-led Congress government for what they call a “relentless loot” of Kannadigas. Citing rising prices of essential commodities like diesel, milk, and electricity, they allege that these burdensome policies are aimed at funding what they term the government’s “Halal Budget”.

“From the invaders’ Jiziya to Congress’ version—only the faces have changed, the oppression remains,” a senior BJP leader posted on social media.

As discontent grows, the new parking tax is becoming a rallying point for those fed up with rising costs and taxes under the current administration. Whether the government will reconsider the policy remains to be seen—but public frustration is undeniably on the rise.