Traders and shopkeepers in Maharashtra Monday started an indefinite strike against the newly-introduced Local Body Tax (LBT) which replaces octroi.
The traders in Mumbai took out a march from their offices in South Mumbai's Carnac Bunder area to Azad Maidan.
"We were approached and asked if we would like to meet officials from government. But we would like to discuss only with the Chief Minister, as he alone can help us," Patel said.
Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan said there were "misunderstandings"
On April 24, traders plan to hold a car rally from central Mumbai's ShivajiPark to Azad Maidan while for April 26 they have planned a bigger march, having representatives traders from across the state.
LBT was imposed from April 1 this year in Kolhapur, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Solapur, Vasai-Virar municipal areas. It will come into effect in Mumbai from October 1.
FAM alleges that in the areas where LBT has come into force, the traders were served with a three-day notice to pay tax on monthly turnover along with interest and late fee.
The traders were threatened with penal action including two years' imprisonment if they failed to pay the dues, it adds.
Image: Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan
Global economy can bounce back: Chidambaram
Farmer prevented from entering Maha CM's residence
Maharashtra traders plan indefinite bandh from April 22
Maha govt for reservation for Maratha community
Maha traders to go on indefinite strike from Monday