BJP, AIMIM MLAs argue CURE Bill will double property tax annually

HYDERABADMLAs of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) have opposed several provisions of the Core Urban Region (Integrated Governance) Bill, 2026, saying the property tax will be doubled every year as per the provisions and demanded that the clause be withdrawn immediately.Opposing the Bill, P. Harish Babu of BJP faulted the new system of levying property tax based on the capital value of the property, which he argued will increase the property tax hugely every year. He said the Bill was in total violation of the 74th Amendment of the Constitution, and added that ward committees and standing committees would have no powers, as the governing council led by the Chief Minister would have all the powers. Another BJP member T. Raja Singh suggested involvement of local legislators.Akbaruddin Owaisi, Floor Leader of AIMIM, questioned the government’s plan to assess property tax in the CURE area based on the capital value of the plinth area of the residential/non-residential premises/building/flat, and not on the annual rental value, in practice now and said it was unreasonable. He said that the executive council/apex governing council to be created for the CURE area would become a super body led by the Chief Minister as it would supersede the powers of the elected body practically.He felt that the Bill could be easily challenged in court. He opposed the provisions of the Bill, such as an increase in property tax, revised assessment, mutation and title conferment of properties, and payment of water and sewerage charges without specifying the availability of the infrastructure for the services. He stated that there was no mention of real requirement of staff and no clarity on the cadre strength.He also wanted the government to give the municipal bodies their share of motor vehicle tax and profession tax and remodel the entire sewerage and storm water drainage system in the City.The member suggested the government to send the Bill to Select Committee to make it more comprehensive to improve the lives of people. He also faulted the government for giving the underground power cabling contract worth ₹1,400 crore to one particular company.Minister D. Sridhar Babu tried to allay the fears of MIM and BJP members and said the apex council would have only an advisory role. He stated that the Mayor and Corporators would continue to function independently, as is the practice now. Published - September 12, 2026 08:42 pm IST