Cong protests octori hike

The Congress leaders said the Mayor had not put the item of hike on octroi revision before the House and got it passed without the consent of the House. They said Congress councillors would stall the proceedings of general house meeting on March 26 and would now allow the budget to be passed.

Darbari Lal said that while the Mayor had imposed tax almost on every item of common use, he has exempted shoddy yarn which is related to his family business of textiles. He alleged that corruption in the corporation was at its peak and octroi evasion is being in connivance of the Mayor.

The Congress leaders have also expressed serious concern over the deteriorating law and order situation in the city. Darbari Lal condemned the murder of a salesman by two miscreants on busy Lawrence road, yesterday. He demanded Rs 10 lakh compensation for the family of deceased besides bravery award. He urged Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal to provide government job to the deceased8217;s sister.

Meanwhile, Subash Chander Sharma, Mayor of Amritsar MC, in a press release issued here said he would resign from the post and retire from politics if corruption charges levelled against him are proved.

Describing the allegations as 8220;concocted8221; he said the hike in octroi was required to provide the basic facilities to the citizens. He said he himself and rates of increased octroi were applicable to him also.