Karnataka's New EV Tax Sparks Political Debate

The Karnataka Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has strongly objected to the state's decision to terminate tax exemptions for battery-operated four-wheelers, such as cars and omni buses. This move, the BJP argues, will make electric vehicles more expensive, hindering future clean mobility efforts.

BJP State President B Y Vijayendra condemned the Congress-led government's decision, accusing it of imposing taxes on Karnataka's future to compensate for previous administrative failures. The government's proposal to introduce a lifetime tax on electric vehicles, including cars, jeeps, and private service vehicles, has caused significant political ripples across the state.

According to the plan, vehicles priced up to Rs 10 lakh will incur a 5% tax, those between Rs 10 lakh and Rs 25 lakh will face an 8% tax, and any vehicle over Rs 25 lakh will be taxed at 10%. Vijayendra contends this approach compromises the state's progress in electric mobility and severely impacts middle-class families aspiring to switch to eco-friendly vehicles.