LBT row: Traders threaten shutdown

Traders protesting agai-nst the proposed local body tax (LBT) on Wednesday threatened a total shutdown of trade in Mumbai if the state did not pay heed to their demand to scrap LBT.

Traders protesting agai-nst the proposed local body tax (LBT) on Wednesday threatened a total shutdown of trade in Mumbai if the state did not pay heed to their demand to scrap LBT.

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“If we don’t inconvenience consumers, the government will not take the issue seriously,” said Mohan Gurnani, president, Federation of Associations of Maharashtra (FAM), which is spearheading the agitation.

What’s unclear is whether retailers, wholesalers at the Agricultural Produce Marketing Committee (APMC) markets and transporters are willing to participate in the indefinite stir.

On Wednesday, retailers kept shops open and most APMC markets resumed wholesale trade.

“We have decided not to shut shops,” said Viren Shah, president, Federation of Retail Traders Welfare Association.

Activists have decided to approach the court for intervention.