MCD polls: BJP promises relief in property tax, abolition of factory licences

Delhi BJP chief Adesh Gupta made the pledges a day before the party is expected to release its manifesto for the December 4 MCD polls

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which is seeking to retain its control over the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) for the fourth consecutive term, on Thursday promised relief in property tax and abolition of factory licences to ensure ease of doing business in the national capital.

BJP supporters during a roadshow ahead of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi elections. (PTI)

“The BJP will provide relief in property tax to traders who have establishments in approved colonies, unauthorised colonies, villages...We will further simplify the norms for trader licences so that people do not have to come to the MCD office,” said Delhi BJP chief Adesh Gupta.

The comments came a day before the party is expected to release its manifesto for the December 4 MCD polls. The manifesto is expected to have a series of promises for traders.

The BJP’s main rival, Delhi’s ruling Aam Aadmi Party, plans over 100 meetings across markets as part of its campaign for the civic polls. Traders are among the most influential voting blocs and have traditionally voted for the BJP.

Gupta said the BJP has always stood with the traders and reminded them of the period when commercial establishments were sealed in Delhi in 2006-2007. “During sealing, we stood by the trading community and have taken numerous measures to provide relief to traders.”