Cuttack BJP Activists Stage Protest Over Stall Rent Hike In Bali Yatra

Cuttack: BJP activists in Cuttack staged a protest on Tuesday over the hike of stall rent in Bali Yatra.

Opposing the hike, the BJP Cuttack wing staged a dharna in front of the Cuttack district Collector’s office on Tuesday.

According to reports, the Cuttack district administration has decided to collect stall charges at the rate of Rs 40 per square feet instead of Rs 27 which was the price last year.

Meanwhile, BJP alleged that the cost is beyond the reach of the petty vendors.

“The cost reaches around Rs 50 per square foot after the GST, which a small businessman can’t afford. The cost is favourable to the potential dealers and vendors,” an activist alleged.

On the other hand, the district administration said that an effort has been made to protect the interest of the vendors. It will save them from the exploitation of outside bidders. A special enclosure will be dedicated to the local traders, said the Cuttack Collector.