Communist Party Of India (CPI) State Secretary K Narayana, on Sunday, demanded that the state government withdraw VAT on textiles.
In a symbolic protest, Narayana and other CPI activists took out a rally to Indira Park, without their shirts on.
Later, talking to reporters, Narayana said that the continuation of VAT on textiles would put additional burden on the common man to the extent that they would not able to buy clothes.
The CPI leader said that it was unfortunate that the state government was "trying to extort money from a profession that fulfils the basic need of clothing".
Expressing solidarity with textile traders, whose strike entered the 7th day on Sunday, Narayana said that it was unfortunate that the government had not even tried to negotiate with the traders to end the strike.
Narayana warned that the CPI would launch a massive agitation across the state if the government fails to withdraw the VAT. (INN)
filed in:VAT, Handloom & Textiles, CPI, K Narayana