Row Over Karnataka Plans To Levy Freebie Cess On Cinema Tickets, OTT Subscription

Karnataka's Congress government is considering a new 1-2% cess on cinema tickets, OTT subscription fees, and theatrical plays to fund cultural artists. This proposed tax, reviewed every three years, is expected to increase entertainment costs for residents. The government has recently faced criticism for raising prices on milk and petroleum products. The BJP argues that these measures reflect financial mismanagement, aimed at funding election freebies.