Traders shut shop across state, Bangalore

BANGALORE: Opposing the approval to Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in retail, hundreds of wholesalers, retailers and small traders across the state joined the all-India strike called by various associations in the country.Protesters claimed that a majority of the retailers, wholesalers and other shops and establishments, barring restaurants and pharmacies, were closed. Traders in Malleswaram, areas under the central business district (CBD), M G Road and other areas remained shut.Protesters, including the Federation of Karnataka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FKCCI), said that the very survival of traditional businesses was at stake if there was no re-consideration on allowing FDI. J R Bangera, president, FKCCI said 26 District Chambers of Commerce & Industry and 130 trade associations participated in the bandh, causing a tax revenue loss of over Rs 90 crore, with 70 pc from Bangalore Urban & Rural district alone.