Traders across the country would observe a four-day Bharat Mahabandh from tomorrow to protest the 'forced' implementation of Value-Added Tax from April 1, Akhil Bharatiya Udyog Vyapar Mandal said in Lucknow on Monday.

All small and big business establishments would remain closed and trading activities and transport services would be affected from March 29 to April 1, convenor of the Mandal, Sandeep Bansal claimed.

If the Centre continues to force the tax on us, traders would be compelled to take the extreme step of self-immolation in front of Parliament House on April 2, he said, adding that the bandh is being supported by chemists and petrol dealers' associations.

However, in view of the markets remaining closed for Holi, essential commodities have been allowed to be sold on Tuesday, he said.

He claimed that states which had approved VAT in principle would witness the maximum agitation by traders.

"It is unfortunate that the same Congress, which had opposed VAT when the NDA government was in power, is now pushing for it owing to pressure from the World Bank and MNCs," he said.