Deora assailed the Maharashtra government for its policy which would soon end up driving out all business and trade from the state at this rate.

``While the neighbouring state of Gujarat and Rajasthan have done away with the sales tax on diamond exports, Maharashtra Government found much sense in slapping a 4 per cent sales tax. What is worse, the department was also subjecting the exporters to great harassment through raids on the establishments,'' he said.

With 99 per cent of all diamond exports being conducted in Maharashtra, bringing in foreign investments to the tune of Rs 18,000 crore and with two lakh workers benefitting, it was shocking that the State government should victimise the industry,'' he said. The diamond industry observed a total bandh in Mumbaion Tuesday.