In a remarkable display of determination and frustration towards government inaction, Arif Mudgal, a 32-year-old IT professional hailing from Bengaluru, has taken a bold and unconventional approach to tackle the persistent issue of potholes. Driven by frustration over the authoritiesโ dull response, Mudgal reportedly secured a loan to finance a grassroots initiative aimed at fixing potholes in his locality. Mudgalโs decision was spurred by witnessing two distressing accidents on Hosa Road, incidents that struck a deep chord within him. โโA woman living near my apartment suffered injuries when the auto-rickshaw she was in toppled due to a pothole on Hosa Road,โโ Mudgal recounted, his voice heavy with concern. Another poignant incident involved a delivery agent who collided with a car while trying to evade the same treacherous pothole on the night of August 14, resulting in a fractured leg. โโI later learned he is the sole breadwinner for his nine-member family from Mandya. This deeply moved me,โโ Mudgal shared, his empathy palpable. Founder of the โCitizens Group, East Bengaluru,โ Mudgal took it upon himself to initiate the โNoDevelopmentNoTaxโ campaignโan audacious call to action urging residents to boycott property tax payments as a form of protest against the administrationโs inaction. The movement swiftly gained momentum as group members pooled resources to repair potholes along a 6-kilometer stretch encompassing Halanayakanahalli, Muneshwara Layout, and Choodasandra. Established half a decade ago, the โCitizens Group, East Bengaluru,โ composed of like-minded individuals, had previously orchestrated modest repairs for certain potholes. However, financial constraints necessitated Mudgalโs decision to secure a loan for this recent and more ambitious endeavor. Mithilesh Kumar, another member of the group, shared their collective frustration, revealing the repeated attempts to engage local representatives in discussions about improved roads, proper drainage systems, and other essential civic amenitiesโall met with resounding silence. Fueled by this perceived neglect, the group rallied behind the โNoDevelopmentNoTaxโ campaign, which found a platform on the social media network X (formerly Twitter) under the aforementioned hashtag. The campaign has garnered heartening responses from the public, underscoring the growing frustration amongst Bengaluruโs residents, who perceive their concerns to be falling on deaf ears. While some netizens advised against the tax boycott, suggesting instead that taxes be paid and subsequently utilized to demand improved civic amenities from the government, the diversity of opinions underscores the multifaceted nature of this challengeโstriking a balance between wielding collective power and engaging with authorities constructively. The โNoDevelopmentNoTaxโ movement serves as a poignant testament to citizens harnessing collective action to demand accountability and drive change from their representatives. Arif Mudgalโs unwavering dedication has shed light on a shared sentimentโ the urgent need for swift and effective solutions to the everyday hardships faced by communities. As the movement gathers momentum, the looming question remains: how will the government respond to this grassroots clarion call, and will Mudgalโs unconventional approach pave the way for lasting improvements in Bengaluruโs infrastructure? In a city where potholes have become emblematic of frustration and negligence, Mudgalโs tenacity serves as a poignant reminder that individuals possess the power to effect change, even when met with bureaucratic inertia. The continued evolution of the โNoDevelopmentNoTaxโ movement serves as a beacon of hope, representing citizensโ resilience and determination to advocate for a safer, more livable Bengaluru.
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