M'rashtra MLAs seek abolition of octroi

Cutting across party lines, members in Maharashtra Assembly today demanded abolition of octroi in the state, while BJP staged a walkout on the issue.

BJP members Eknath Khadse raised the issue in the House informing that traders and merchants from all over the state have arrived in the city to press for the demand for abolition of octroi.

He was soon joined by Raj Purohit, Girish Mahajan, Girish Bapat, Davendra Phadanvis (all BJP) and others who urged the Speaker to direct Finance Minister Jayant Patil to make a statement in the House.

Members from treasury benches, Ramesh Bang, Suresh Dada Jain and Sachin Ahier and Congress members also demanded a clear statement from Patil. Patil, while replying to queries, said the issue was under active consideration of ruling alliance.

He said a sub-committee was formed which has submitted its report and the cabinet has discussed about it in its weekly meeting last Wednesday.

He said it was a question of huge revenue and if octroi is abolished, an alternative revenue source has to be identified to take care of the losses.

The minister said no final decision has been taken. However, the government has genuine concern over the traders' demand, he said. Not satisfied with Patil's reply, BJP members staged a walkout.