In a strong show of protest against the Commercial Tax Department, traders across Bengaluru have announced a complete shutdown of shops on July 25. The decision comes in response to what traders are calling unjustified tax notices issued to small business owners, including shopkeepers and street vendors. The tax department had recently served notices demanding lakhs of rupees in back taxes under GST, based on UPI transactions. This triggered widespread anger among the trading community, many of whom believe the move unfairly targets small and medium businesses that operate with limited resources.
In preparation for the bandh, trader associations have begun visiting local shops, bakeries, condiments sellers, and milk vendors, urging them to support the protest. Flyers and appeals have been distributed requesting all shop owners to shut their establishments in solidarity. In addition to the bandh, traders have also called for a halt in milk sales on July 23, two days prior, as a symbolic act to draw public attention to their grievances.
The major protest rally will be held at Freedom Park on July 25, where thousands of traders are expected to gather and demand the withdrawal of the notices. Organizers emphasized that the bandh is not politically motivated, but a unified cry against policies that threaten the survival of small businesses. The Karnataka government has yet to officially respond to the bandh call. However, the growing momentum among traders signals possible disruptions in daily services in the coming week, particularly in Bengaluru.