AAP requests the Maharashtra government to address traders concerns of harrassment due to the Local Body Tax

Traders of Sangli observed a bandh to register their opposition to the Local Body Tax (LBT). In a shocking U-turn by the BJP Government in Maharashtra, the Devendra Fadnavis administration has changed its tune on the issue from its previous stance during the election campaign. After being elected on the back of their promise to abolish the LBT in Maharashtra, the government is now hiding under the convenient response that the LBT will continue, until an alternative tax policy is worked out.The BJP should have thought about these practical hurdles before promising Maharashtra';s traders that they will abolish the LBT if elected to power. Former Chief Minister of the state, Prithviraj Chavan had also promised to simplify the tedious rules and formalities involved in the tax, but that only remained a promise. 

Aam Aadmi Party strongly opposes the manner in which traders are harassed due to the complicated conditions of the LBT. Without inspecting the audit reports, traders are being asked for import, export, local sales bills, soft copies of details of purchases and sales, among other things, only so that the inspectors can seek bribes. Traders and entrepreneurs are being treated like petty thieves. AAP requests the government to consider the traders concerns and make the necessary changes in the implementation of LBT so that they are rid of constant harassment, until an alternative tax system is not identified. AAP will follow-up with the administration on what steps they take to solve the traders'; issues.