New Delhi: Around 2.5 lakh shop owners in 20-25 key markets in Delhi shut down their businesses on Sunday as the INDIA Bloc conducted their rally at Ramlila Maidan and traders said they incurred losses worth Rs 10,000-11,000 crore.
“The Delhi Vyapar Mahasangh is worried after the rally on November 1 affected businesses in the national Capital,” the Delhi Vyapar Mahasangh said.
“Although political parties benefitted and showcased their strength, it created several issues in the economy of Delhi,” the traders’ association said in a statement titled ‘What Did We Lose, What Did We Gain?’.
Chairman of Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI), Brijesh Goyal said around 80 percent of around three lakh shops in the markets around the rally area remained closed as traders feared traffic jams.
Around three-lakh to four-lakh people who come to Delhi regularly for business purposes did not visit on Sunday, he added. Further, nearly 5,000 vehicles like tempos and trucks could not deliver goods in the Old Delhi and Central Delhi markets.
Traders Claim Rs 10,000-11,000 Crore Loss
Goyal said 20-25 key markets in the area of Ramlila Maidan were affected. Altogether, there are three lakh shops in these markets with around 2.5 lakh shops shut down.
“Loading and unloading of goods was completely hampered and impacted businesses in wholesale and retail sectors,” he said.
The traders said there was hardly any business in the markets, despite shops being open.
“We usually get around Rs 10,000-12,000 crore worth of business from these markets every year. Considering this, we have incurred losses worth Rs 10,000-11,000 crore. But who will compensate us?” he asked.
“The timing of the rally came at a crucial time when traders were getting ready for the festive season,” he added.
Small businessmen from other states wasted their time and buying opportunities. Further, the daily earnings of shopkeepers, employees, labourers, transporters and families were affected.
Traders Had Raised Concerns Over Rally Location
Several traders’ associations had raised concerns over the rally location during the peak Diwali shopping season.
The Automotive Parts Merchant Association (APMA) at Kashmere Gate had warned that the rally may impact trade in a 3-kilometre radius, including key markets like Chandni Chowk, Sadar Bazaar, Daryaganj, Mori Gate and Kashmere Gate.
“The problem is not with the democratic protests but the timing and timing,” APMA president Vinay Narang said.
“We are concerned because Ramlila Maidan is situated in the middle of one of Asia’s biggest commercial hubs. This will affect businesses in several key markets due to traffic restrictions,” he said.
The Delhi Vyapar Mahasangh said that although the rally had raised the concerns of the trading community, it drew attention to how crucial the wholesale markets in Delhi are to the country.
Rahul Gandhi Asks Rally Attendees To Support Local Traders
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had appealed to rally attendees to support local traders.
“While you are here for the protest, do some shopping in Delhi,” he said in a video message posted on X on Saturday.
“You can buy products from local stores too as you come to the Capital for the rally. Come and celebrate Diwali, Chhath and Bhai Dooj by buying products from local stores,” he added.
Gandhi also denied claims that the rally would negatively impact traders. “The BJP is spreading rumours about this rally impacting trade,” he said.
However, the Delhi Vyapar Mahasangh said they respected democratic rights and peaceful protests but added that political events must be considered in terms of their effect on trade, employment and common citizens.
They added that authorities and political parties must consider Delhi’s business schedule, festive season, ease of access to markets, availability of goods and public convenience.
“Politics is politics and trade and employment is trade and employment. Finding the right balance between the two is what makes a strong, responsible and healthy democratic system,” the Mahasangh said.