CNN Central News & Network-ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: Traders fear Congress rally in Delhi may affect business, write to Rahul Gandhi
New Delhi. Trade bodies in the national capital Delhi have written to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, appealing that the proposed rally at Ramlila Maidan on 1 November be held after Diwali. Traders say the festival period is extremely important for customer movement in markets, supply of goods and business activity. In such a situation, traffic restrictions and route diversions due to a large political programme could affect trade. The Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) has expressed concern that if traffic-related disruptions continue, trade could suffer losses of up to Rs 10,000 crore by Diwali. This is an estimate by the trade body, not an officially certified figure of loss.
Claim that trade was affected earlier too
According to CTI chairman Brijesh Goyal, Delhi’s business has already suffered losses of about Rs 3,000 crore due to earlier protests in October and traffic restrictions. The organisation claims that trade worth around Rs 2,000 crore was affected by the protests on 10 October, while disruptions between 13 and 16 October affected business of about Rs 1,000 crore. Traders have also raised concern over access to major wholesale markets located around Ramlila Maidan, including Sadar Bazaar, Chandni Chowk, Chawri Bazaar and Khari Baoli. Before Diwali, shopping and movement of goods increase in these markets. According to traders, if movement is disrupted because of road barricading, traffic diversions and crowd-control measures, problems such as delays in goods delivery, cancellation of orders and a fall in customer footfall may arise.
Trade bodies support the right to peaceful protest
The trade bodies have clarified that their objection is not to the right to hold a political protest, but to the timing and venue of the event. They say that along with democratic rights, business, employment and the convenience of ordinary citizens should also be kept in mind. Traders have suggested that the rally be held after 10 November so that business in markets remains normal around Diwali and Bhai Dooj. The response of the Congress and the concerned administration to this appeal will now be important.
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