CNN Central News & Networks / ITDC India ePress / ITDC News /Agencies/ Delhi: BJP foot march in Chandni Chowk sparks sharper debate over traders’ losses
New Delhi. Ahead of Diwali in Delhi, a new debate has emerged over political activity and traders’ concerns. While BJP leaders have been opposing the Congress’s proposed mega rally at Ramlila Maidan on November 1, questions are now also being raised over the BJP’s foot march in Chandni Chowk. The BJP is taking out the march on Wednesday with the slogan “Save democracy, remove anarchy.” Traders say large political programmes during the festive season can lead to crowding in markets, traffic restrictions and disruption to shopping.
The BJP’s foot march will start from Shri Jain Lal Mandir near the Red Fort and proceed to Town Hall, Chandni Chowk. BJP national president Nitin Naveen, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, state BJP president Harsh Malhotra and other leaders are expected to take part. The party describes the programme as being organised to defend democracy and protest against the Congress’s alleged anarchic politics.
On the other hand, traders’ organisations have already expressed concern over the Congress’s proposed mega rally. The Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) has sought time to meet Rahul Gandhi and has appealed for the rally to be held after Diwali. The organisation estimates that the rally could affect business in around 20 markets near Ramlila Maidan. Traders have also voiced fears of possible traffic restrictions and reduced customer movement.
The Congress has also questioned the BJP’s foot march. Party leaders argue that if the Congress rally during the festive season is feared to affect business, then the BJP’s programme in a busy market such as Chandni Chowk could also affect trade and public movement. The BJP has rejected the criticism, describing its foot march as peaceful and symbolic. Amid this political tug-of-war, traders’ main demand is that all parties should keep in mind their business, customers’ convenience and the normal functioning of markets during the festive season.
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