The Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka, D.K. Shivakumar, has categorically denied reports suggesting that the state government is considering implementing a 'congestion tax' in Bengaluru. This clarification comes amidst speculation regarding measures to address the city's worsening traffic conditions. Speaking to reporters, Shivakumar, who also oversees the Bengaluru Development Department, stated that there are no plans for such a tax and labeled the information as misleading.

He mentioned that while some business leaders and citizens have proposed ideas to improve traffic flow in the city, no formal proposal has reached the government. He emphasized that all such claims are false, asserting that there is no tax or similar measure being considered. Shivakumar added that suggestions from the public will be reviewed but will not be automatically accepted. Official sources had previously indicated that discussions about congestion tax took place during a recent meeting focused on strategies to alleviate Bengaluru's traffic congestion. Urban mobility experts had suggested taxing single-occupancy vehicles, particularly during peak hours, as a deterrent. The proposals included a pilot project for this initiative on the busy Outer Ring Road (ORR).

However, Shivakumar firmly rejected any such plans, suggesting that if a measure like this were to be implemented, it should be considered by the central government rather than the current state administration. This clarification followed strong criticism from the opposition BJP, with Assembly opposition leader R. Ashoka comparing the Siddaramaiah government's approach to that of the Tughlaq dynasty, accusing it of attempting to impose taxes without addressing fundamental infrastructure issues.