E-Paper
Transporters, traders shun LBT strike in Mumbai
metro@hindustantimes.com
Mumbaiites heaved a sigh of relief on Wednesday as both retail traders and transporters refused to support the strike called by the Federation of Association of Maharashtra (FAM) to protest against the proposed Local Body Tax (LBT).
The FAM had announced a strike from May 1, claiming that everything except essential commodities would be disrupted. According to Kirti Rana, president, Navi Mumbai Merchants Chambers, the strike failed as the FAM did not take concerned parties into confidence.
Everything functioned normally, agreed Viren Shah, president, Federation of Retail Traders Welfare Association (FRTWA). “We are not on strike,” he said.
Even transporters did not join the agitation. “We are morally supporting the agitation but not participating in it,” said Bal Malkhit Singh, former president, Bombay Goods Transport Association.
The FAM claims that the strike has been successful. “Many shops were shut and more will follow in the coming days,” said Mohan Gurnani, president, FAM. Gurnani will now undertake a fast unto death from Thursday at Azad Maidan for the repeal of LBT. “I will not relent till the government withdraws LBT,” said Gurnani.h
Stay updated with all the Breaking News and Latest News from Mumbai. Click here for comprehensive coverage of top Cities including Bengaluru, Delhi, Hyderabad, and more across India along with Stay informed on the latest happenings in World News.
