Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network- Panaji

Panaji, Apr 22:  Bharatiya Janata Party’s Goa unit today warned the traders against hoarding of vegetables in the State at the backdrop of imbroglio between the traders from Belgaum (Karnataka) and Kolhapur (Maharashtra) and Goa government over the imposition of entry tax.

“The vendors are trying to create artificial shortage in the state by hoarding the vegetables resulting in the artificial shortage. There is no shortage visible in the markets currently. But state government is locating all the places where artificial shortage can be created,” BJP’s Goa Spokesman Subhash Faldesai told reporters today.

“Government will take action against the hoarders. They cannot hoard the items for long as it is perishable good,” he added.

The traders from Belgaum and Kolhapur have began stopping vehicles in their state borders protesting against imposition of entry tax by Goa government.

While majority of the vehicles with essential commodities like grocery, vegetables and milk arrived in the State today, the traders have warned to intensify their strike, which may result in the shortage of supplies for Goa markets.

Faldesai alleged that some of the vendors from Hubli, Dharwad and Belgaum who have vending vegetables in Goa markets might create the artificial shortage, to benefit the traders from their native state.

Responding to a question, Faldesai conceded that Goa government has not sought any help from its Maharashtra or Karnataka counterparts to resolve the crisis. He further admitted that the state government had not taken associations of the traders, who are currently agitating, in confidence before imposing the entry tax.

“Nobody comes forward willingly to agree to pay tax. We have to impose it,” he said.

While Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar had claimed that the entry tax will collect revenue of Rs 100 crore, Faldesai said that the tax collection may be to the tune of Rs 60 crore. “Every paisa collecteere will go for the welfare of the people,” he said.