INDORE: Cinema hall and multiplex operators in the state who have gone on strike over the imposition of entertainment tax in addition to GST by the civic bodies are in a fix after the announcement of poll and model code became effective. The deadlock between the cine hall owners and government does not seem to end soon.Around 400 single screens and multiplexes across the state are shut since Friday. Central Circuit Cine Association (CCCA) director Basant Ladha told TOI, "Why are we forced to pay dual tax on entertainment? We have met ministers in Delhi and Bhopal but are apprehensive that any call will be taken on our demand as model code of conduct has come into force."Ladha said the association has filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) with MP High Court Jabalpur challenging civic bodies' tax and the hearing is on October 11. Cinema hall owners have demanded the government to withdraw entertainment tax of up to 20% levied by civic bodies in the entire state.The strike has already caused a loss of Rs 1.5 crore over the weekend and this may extend to Rs 5 crore in coming days for Indore division itself, according to CCCA.The civic body has imposed an entertainment tax of 5% in Indore and 15% in Bhopal. This tax is in addition to 18% and 28% Goods and Services Tax (GST) paid on entertainment.A senior official from the IMC said, "At the moment we are not considering to withdraw the entertainment tax. The decision lies in the hand of the government to withdraw or suspend the tax."The association members are meeting the urban development and housing minister Maya Singh on Monday at Bhopal.CCCA director OP Goyal said, "Weekend is already gone, which is the main business period. There is no point in doing business on week days with so much of tax liability. We are in talks with government machinery and shall end strike, when some concrete assurance shall come."

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