Bengaluru: In a dramatic escalation against the recent commercial tax notices served by the Karnataka Commercial Tax Department, thousands of small and medium traders across Bengaluru have announced a phased protest culminating in a complete shop bandh on July 25.
As a mark of protest, milk sales and dairy product supplies will be halted on July 23 and 24. Several tea shop owners have announced they will only serve black tea or lemon tea, avoiding milk-based beverages in solidarity.
The traders’ agitation is a reaction to hefty tax notices—running into lakhs—served even to small business owners, many of whom claim they are unable to meet the financial demands. Leaflets are being distributed door-to-door by the Karimikara Parishat, appealing for widespread participation.
On July 25, all shops and businesses, including bakeries, tea stalls, and condiment vendors, will down shutters and converge at Freedom Park for a massive protest, accompanied by their families and staff.
“Where are we supposed to get ₹43 lakh from? If this continues, we’ll be forced to shut our businesses permanently,” said one bakery owner. Several shopkeepers complained that although they were encouraged to switch to online billing systems, they are now being unfairly penalised with backdated taxes.
Amid the growing unrest, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah clarified that the GST regime falls under the jurisdiction of the Central Government, and he would hold discussions with Union authorities. “This is not under the purview of the state. The GST Council is governed by the Government of India,” he stated.
Responding to criticism from BJP leader B.Y. Vijayendra, who alleged that the state government was shielding commercial officers issuing unjust notices, the CM hit back, saying, “We are not the ones threatening traders. This issue originates at the Centre.”
Meanwhile, the Commercial Tax Department has stated that if traders furnish complete records, there may be no need to pay the full assessed tax, offering some hope of relief.
Until then, Bengaluru awaits whether the government will provide clarity or if the July 25 bandh will become a defining moment in the state’s ongoing tax dispute.
