Bengaluru: BJP Friday opposed the govt’s proposal to introduce charges and fines for parking vehicles on roads in front of residential properties, with opposition leader R Ashoka alleging the move would add to the financial burden on Bengaluru residents.Ashoka accused the govt of being financially bankrupt and resorting to “taxes on taxes” to raise revenue. He claimed five of Bengaluru’s seven corporations were already financially strained and struggling to function.On X, Ashoka alleged that the proposed Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) Parking Rules 2026 could require residents to pay an annual charge of Rs 15,000 to Rs 25,000 for parking cars on roads in front of their homes.“Fine even for parking a car in front of your own house!” Ashoka said, accusing the govt of framing an “anti-people parking policy”. Ashoka also questioned the rationale for imposing parking charges when residents had already paid taxes while constructing their houses. He also criticised the condition of Bengaluru’s roads, citing potholes and waterlogging during the monsoon, and questioned the govt’s justification for collecting additional charges.He urged the govt to focus instead on improving public transport, completing pending Metro projects and increasing BMTC bus services.BJP legislators also staged a protest at Vidhana Soudha, condemning the govt for having no woman minister and accusing Congress of adopting an “anti-women” approach. The protest was led by state BJP state president BY Vijayendra and protesters raised slogans and held placards criticising the lack of women’s representation.Vijayendra said women, who constitute nearly half the state’s population, deserved equal opportunities and representation. He said it was unfortunate that Karnataka was witnessing an assembly session with no woman minister.In a last-minute decision, Congress dropped MLC Gayathri Shanthegowda from the list of ministers approved by the high command. CM DK Shivakumar has said the lone vacant berth will go to a woman.
