Kolkata, Aug 12: West Bengal transport minister Subhas Chakraborty today threatened to take legal steps against private transport operators if they went on their proposed strike from August 26. "The government is open to discussions. Negotiations with the transporters are already on. Under such circumstances if anyone calls a strike, we will take legal action," Chakraborty told reporters at the state secretariat here.

Urging the associations of buses, minibuses, taxis and commercial vehicles to withdraw their decision in public interest, Chakraborty said grievances could be looked into at the negotiation table.

The transport associations had called the three-day strike throughout West Bengal following 'failure' of talks with the state government last evening. While the transport operators are demanding withdrawal of additional taxes including sales tax on diesel, the transport minister contended that taxes on various modes of transport in West Bengal were much lower than other states including neighbouring Assam and Orissa.

Bureau Report