As the indefinite strike by retailers against the local body tax (LBT) continued for the fourth day on Thursday, the traders decided to intensify their agitation.
In a rally held at Azad Maidan, the Federation of Associations of Maharashtra (FAM) decided on a three-pronged action — to stop paying LBT in the 23 small cities where it has been implemented, pay just 5% of the value-added tax (VAT), and campaign against the Congress, if necessary.
The transporters will also stage a one-day strike to express their solidarity with the traders.
“We will pay the complete VAT only after the new tax has been scrapped,” said Mohan Gurnani, president, FAM.
As chief minister Prithviraj Chavan remained firm on his stand that the LBT would be implemented as it would bring transparency in charging local taxes, traders demanded that the Congress party clarify its stand within a week. “We will work against the party in the upcoming elections if it does not support us,” said Gurnani.
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