More than 50 wholesale markets including metals, cloth, glass, grains, and electric items in the city downed their shutters following a call for bandh given by the Federation of Associations of Maharashtra (FAM), the apex body of trade associations in the state. Small scale industrial units too had joined the protest.

However, ration shops remained open since they had not received official intimation from the FAM till late Wednesday. The hotel association and truck owners' association too did not join the protest.

The traders have called for withdrawal of hikes in sales taxes rates, turnover tax and surcharge of 10 per cent on gross sales tax, stamp duty on imports levied in Maharashtra and profession tax. They have also sought abolition of octroi from all muncipal corporation areas,withdrawal of hike in registration and licence fees under Shops and Establishment Act and trade refuse tax.

Chimanbhai Mehta of the FAM claimed that the bandh was successful. ``It was supported totally by wholesale textile markets at Mulji Jetha, Mangaldas and Swadeshi, Mahatma Phule market, and other wholesale markets including bullion, metals, grains, vegetables, sugar, cotton, oilseeds-oils and its future activities, chemicals, pharma and others,'' he added.

The FAM spokesperson urged the state government to take note of the dissatisfaction prevailing amongst the business community and take immediate action to solve their problems.