NCP asks CM to take decision regarding LBT

NCP spokesman Nawab Malik says discussions with ministers can yield effective results than bureaucrats

NCP today lamented that Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan had not heeded to its demand for a ministerial panel to discuss the local body tax (LBT) issue with the traders and also a co-ordination committee meeting.

"Political decisions are required in this context and everything cannot be left at the discretion of the bureaucrats," NCP spokesman Nawab Malik told reporters here.

"Small traders are being pressurised to participate in the bandh. Traders affiliated to BJP are leading the agitation," he said.

Malik said discussions with ministers can yield effective results than bureaucrats.

"There is no harm in discussing the matter with the traders. If immediate action is not taken, things may go out of hand in case of the LBT stand off," Malik expressed.

BJP president Devendra Phadanvis, who is opposing LBT, had praised the government's move to bring LBT in Mira Bhayander and Nanded municipal corporations during a debate in the Legislative Assembly two years ago, he said.

Criticising Gopinath Munde, Malik said the BJP leader is the deputy leader of his party's parliamentary wing. "Instead, he is focusing more on district and state issues."

On Shiv Sena's proposed move for a memorial of late Bal Thackeray at Mahalaxmi race course, Malik said his party was not opposed to the memorial if it comes up legally.

"If Shiv Sena wants to open Mahalaxmi race course for public in form of theme park and memorial, then it should show that its intentions are honest. It can start with opening to the general public clubs like Matoshree in the suburbs," he said.

"The land belonging to civic body was given to Shiv Sena leaders at cheap rate and they have used to construct health clubs for the rich," he alleged.