Workers of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam staged demonstrations across the city to protest against the 100% hike in property tax for commercial buildings and 50% hike for residential buildings. Former Mayor and Saidapet MLA, Ma. Subramanian, led the protest in Saidapet and demanded a rollback of the hike in property tax. “The State government is claiming that the revision is based on the direction of the High Court. They are just using this opportunity to increase tax rates. There are several instances of the State government not honouring court directions. For example, they have been able to delay the announcement of local body elections even after a court direction. The Centre has not released Rs. 3,558 crore for the State because of the absence of elected local governments,” Mr. Subramanian pointed out.