Bengaluru: Small traders and shopkeepers across Karnataka have launched a three-day protest starting Wednesday, in response to GST tax notices demanding high payments.
The protest comes amid a political standoff between the ruling Congress and opposition BJP.
Forms of Protest
As part of the agitation:
Traders have stopped serving milk, tea, and coffee in their shops.
Many are wearing black badges to show dissent.
On Thursday (July 24), they will boycott the sale of cigarettes, beedis, and tobacco products.
On Friday (July 25), traders plan to shut down their shops and hold a massive protest at Freedom Park in Bengaluru.
Traders have warned of an indefinite strike if the government does not withdraw the GST notices.
Traders Reject CM’s Meeting
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has called a meeting with trade bodies and affected groups at his official residence in Bengaluru. However, Ravi Shetty, President of the Karnataka State Karmika Parishat, has declined the invitation.
Centre Distances Itself from the Issue
Union Minister Pralhad Joshi clarified that the GST notices were issued by the state government, not by the Centre.
BJP Slams Congress Government
The Karnataka BJP criticized the Congress-led state government for allegedly harassing small traders and undermining the Centre’s digital initiatives.
The party also announced a helpline to support small business owners caught in the GST controversy.
Congress Responds to BJP Allegations
Deputy Chief Minister and Congress State President D.K. Shivakumar hit back at the BJP, accusing them of trying to blame the state government for their own actions.
