Day-long strike against VAT implementation

As many as four lakh registered traders across the state are expected to take part in a day-long token strike on Wednesday against the implementation of Value Added Tax (VAT).

The day-long strike is in support of the three-day strike called by the two national traders organisations.

However, Gujarat and all other Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ruled states have decided not to implement VAT from Saturday (April 1).

The traders' associations said that all the four lakh registered and 10-12 lakh unregistered traders are expected to join the token strike on Wednesday.

Jayu Tanna, president, Gujarat Vyapari Hith Rakshak Samiti said that retailers from Surat and parts of Ahmedabad would also participate in tomorrow's strike. These traders had stayed away during the strike against VAT earlier this month.

"Though VAT will not be implemented in Gujarat from April 1, we have joined the protest in support of the called strike by the Bharat Udyog Vyapar Mandal," Tanna said.

The Federation of Indian Trade Associations, another traders' body, has called for a four-day strike beginning Wednesday.

Tanna added that grain and sugar traders will also join the strike. However, the Gujarat Petroleum Dealers Association has said that petrol and diesel retail pumps will function normally.