Delhi traders write to Rahul Gandhi, warn of nationwide protest
New Delhi: Traders in Delhi have opened a front against Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, alleging that political rallies and demonstrations in the capital have affected business activity. The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) wrote to Rahul Gandhi on November 5, expressing displeasure and demanding that accountability be fixed for the alleged economic losses suffered in Delhi’s markets. The organisation has warned that if traders’ concerns are not addressed, a nationwide “Dhikkar Diwas” will be observed after Diwali.
CAIT has specifically questioned the INDIA alliance rally held at Ramlila Maidan on November 1. Traders allege that during the crucial Diwali shopping season, the rally led to traffic restrictions, barricading and disruption of movement on roads. They said this affected customer access and business in Chandni Chowk, Sadar Bazaar, Khari Baoli and several other major nearby markets.
In the letter, the organisation’s national president B.C. Bhartia said that while Rahul Gandhi appeals to people to buy from local markets, he also supports political programmes that make it difficult for customers to reach those markets. CAIT has also raised questions about the balance between traders’ livelihoods and the right to protest.
The traders’ body said it will wait for Rahul Gandhi’s response. After that, a meeting of prominent trade leaders from Delhi and across the country will be convened immediately after Diwali. The future strategy and the date for the nationwide “Dhikkar Diwas” will be decided in that meeting.
Earlier, the Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) had also estimated the business loss caused by the November 1 rally at around Rs 11,000 crore. This is a claim made by the traders’ organisation and has not been independently verified.
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