Leader of textile traders’ agitation resigns from BJP

SURAT: Tarachand Kasat, who spearheaded the agitation of the textile traders against GST, has resigned from primary membership of the city BJP.

Kasat sent a letter to city BJP chief Nitin Bhajiawala stating that he was upset with the union government at the centre for ignoring genuine demands of the traders community, who have stood by the party since 1982.

Being the convener of the Textile GST Sangarsh Samiti (TGSS), Kasat had led the agitation of the textile traders in July. Soon after the GST was implemented on July 1, the TGSS and the Federation of Surat Textile Traders' Association (FOSTTA) jointly called for an indefinite bandh in the textile markets from July 3. Following the successful bandh in all the 165 textile markets, the textile traders participated in a mammoth rally on July 8.

In his letter to Bhajiawala, Kasat stated he was an active BJP worker since last 32 years. Despite his loyalty to the party, the BJP-led government at the centre ignored the demands of the textile traders, who have been the largest vote bank of the party in the Majura Gate assembly constituency. As the BJP government has not done justice to the traders, he will be staying with the traders.

Kasat said, "If the party cannot fulfil the traders' needs, I can't stay with it. I remember those days when former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee had visited Surat in 1982 and we had given Rs 11 lakh donation to the BJP. The traders have always been with the BJP, but now they are not."

However, it is believed that Kasat may join Congress.