The Sundergarh Nagarik Committee (SNC) led ‘Chetabani Rally’ was held with participation of people from all walks of life, to…
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The Sundergarh Nagarik Committee (SNC) led ‘Chetabani Rally’ was held with participation of people from all walks of life, to oppose the toll tax collection on the Biju Expressway.
At least 600 persons on bikes and four wheelers participated in the rally, which started from the town here and culminated at the Masnikani toll gate. A public meeting was held near the Masnikanu toll gate.
The purpose of the whole rally was to oppose the toll tax collection on the 162 kilometre between Rourkela and Sambalpur. The SNC demands complete abolition of the toll tax for the residents of Sundergarh. Similar, agitation was held at Sambalpur.
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The main objection of the agitators was when the district residents had already paid for toll tax for the same road, for 17 years, why should they pay again.
“We cannot pay for the same road twice and this is really an unnecessary imposition,” said Ashok Das, the president of SNC. Das was of the opinion that a tax in a schedule district could never be collected unless and until it had the approval of the Governor, the assembly and also the gram sabha.
“Everything has been violated”, he alleged. There are three toll gates on the 162 kilometres stretch of road. The gates are near Laing, near Masnikani and Sambalpur.
He informed that this was an emotive issue and was being supported by all. Once the rally reached the gate the agitators held there meeting. The speakers there, were demanding the removal or abolition of the toll for the residents of Sundergarh.
“We handed over a memorandum for the Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik to the collector,” said Das. Even the agricultural produce carrying vehicles are not being spared, said the agitators.
Sundergarh Congress MLA Yogesh Singh and Talsara MLA Dr Prafulla Majhi were also present in the agitation. It may be noted here that the SNC had organised a Sundergarh bandh opposing the toll collection on Saturday.
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