Shopkeepers hold protest rally against property tax

Hundreds of shopkeepers under the banner of Patiala Vyopar Bachao Sangarsh Committee staged a protest against the government decision to introduce property tax. Terming it a 'black act' for the traders, the protesters carried black flags and took out a scooter rally across the main streets of the city.

Hundreds of shopkeepers under the banner of Patiala Vyopar Bachao Sangarsh Committee staged a protest against the government decision to introduce property tax. Terming it a 'black act' for the traders, the protesters carried black flags and took out a scooter rally across the main streets of the city.

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Addressing the gathering, Rakesh Gupta said they would not allow the state government to implement the proposed tax come what may, as it would ruin them. “Small shopkeepers will suffer the most and will be left with no choice but to shut their businesses,” he said.

The committee demanded that government should either withdraw the decision to implement the tax or rework on tax slabs. “Showing despotic attitude, government is completely ignoring our demands,” he said. The committee threatened to give 'Patiala bandh' call if government failed to take serious note of their demands.

Shopkeepers will submit their objections to the municipal corporation authorities on April 3.