Wholesale trading in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar ground to a complete standstill on Friday as the city's trading community joined a symbolic statewide shutdown. The bandh, called by the Maharashtra Rajya Vyapari Kriti Samiti, saw near-total participation from local commission agents and buyers, bringing the bustling Jadhavwadi market to an eerie silence.
Market at a Standstill: A Day of Protest
Approximately 150 arhatiyas (commission agents) and buyers actively participated in the shutdown, effectively halting all commercial activity. The city, which is home to 126 arhatiya traders and around 25-30 regular buyers, witnessed closed shops and idle traders throughout the day. The powerful Merchants' Association estimated that the protest stalled transactions worth a staggering Rs 5 to 6 crore in a single day.
With no auctions conducted and zero movement of commodities, the normally vibrant trading hub was unusually quiet. The impact was felt even in the maize trade, which is currently in its peak season. "Not a single maize transaction was recorded today due to the statewide protest," stated Harish Pawar, President of the Merchants' Association, highlighting the strong support the agitation received.
Key Demands Behind the Agitation
The bandh was organized to press for several long-pending demands of the wholesale trading community. The protestors received backing from the influential Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (MACCIA) in Mumbai. MACCIA vice-president Praful Malani affirmed that the protest underscored the long-standing concerns of these traders.
The primary demands put forward by the arhatiyas include:
- Scrapping the APMC cess, arguing that a 5% GST is already levied on foodgrains and goes to the state government.
- A follow-up meeting on unresolved issues that were discussed with then Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on August 26, 2024.
- Corrections to the draft ordinance for the National Market Committee.
- Decisions on amendments to APMC laws earlier recommended by the Kriti Samiti.
- Removal of restrictive provisions under the Food Safety and Standards Act and prevention of arbitrary punitive action.
- Immediate rollout of online APMC licence issuance, a measure previously assured by the state government.
Widespread Support and Future Implications
The successful bandh demonstrates the collective strength of the trading community in Maharashtra. The unified action from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar's market, a significant hub, sends a strong message to the state administration about the urgency of addressing these issues.
The traders have made it clear that their demands are not new but have been pending for a considerable time. The inclusion of major bodies like MACCIA in their support base adds significant weight to their agitation. The immediate economic impact of the bandh, quantified in crores of rupees, also highlights the critical role these traders play in the state's agricultural supply chain and economy.
The ball is now in the government's court to engage with the Samiti and find a resolution to prevent further disruptions to trade and the livelihoods dependent on it.
