Surat textile traders call for fresh elections of FOSTTA; reports of political intervention doing rounds

New Delhi, Feb 4 (KNN) About 31 members of the core organisation of the Federation of Surat Textile Traders Association (FOSTTA) are forming a committee to hold fresh elections has caused unrest in the textile trading market in Surat.

It has been reported that FOSTTA members are being contacted by the executive body to gather support and form a core committee to plan fresh elections.

Manoj Agarwal, President at FOSTTA told KNN India that a core committee is being formed which will be followed by a board meeting wherein a resolution will be unanimously passed to schedule the election and frame the proceedings accordingly.

“There are approximately 183 textile trading markets in Surat which makes this city a significant hub for textiles, however core organisation of this sector FOSTTA was unable to hold elections for last 4-5 years due to the covid-19 pandemic which was aggravated by certain social media posts implying that it involves political intervention,” he added.

Agarwal was pointing out to event organised by traders opposing the GST hike on textiles from 5 per cent to 12 per cent wherein BJP President CR Paatil appealed textile traders to create a new organisation so that their voices could be heard.

FOSTTA constitutes for about 5,000 members and it holds key importance over textile traders across the country where it sources labour force from states like Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Odisha. (KNN/KT)