New Delhi, Feb 28 (UNI) The Congress Government in the MCD today described as "politically motivated" allegations by BJP leader and Standing Committee member Vijender Gupta that many citizens were being forced to pay property tax as per the old system of assessment, In a joint statement here, Standing committee chairman Jai Kishan Sharma, Leader of the MCD House Jitender Kochar, Chairman of the appointment committee Brij Mohan Sharma, refuted the statement of Mr Vijender Gupta that MCD is recovering property tax in violation of Section 116G of the DMC Act.

Terming the statement as "politically motivated", they denied that no such orders whatsoever have been issued according to which property tax payers are being forced to pay the tax as per the old system of assessment.

''In Section 116 G, it is stipulated that assessee can opt for assessment of his property tax either under the new unit area system or old system,''they said and alleged that Mr Vijender Gupta was misguiding the public by issuing such statements.

''Property tax payers are at liberty to pay property tax either under new system or old system. Property Tax Department is ready to give regard to their option,''they said.

Mr Jai Kishan Sharma said that the Unit Area System for assessment of property tax received an overwhelming response.

''A record number of Property tax payers have deposited tax.

So far, 8 lakh property tax payers have deposited their tax as compared to 7 lakh last year and this number is likely to increase upto March 31. It is hoped that this year more than 10 lakh property tax payers will deposit their property tax, which will be a record,'' Mr Sharma said.

UNI