Rahul Gandhi accused the BJP of asking shops in Connaught Place to remain closed during the INDIA bloc’s march and mega rally at Ramlila Maidan of impacting local business especially given stores expected an increase in customers during the festive period.
The comments by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi come as opposition leaders and supporters, converged in the national capital to take part in the-india-bloc’s “Chalo Dilli” rally. It is being held to protest alleged irregularities and push for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
“With excitement already increased for shops in Connaught Place we asked people to buy locally. However things have not gone as planned and the stores stayed closed,” Gandhi said.
“The BJP are responsible and we must ask who will cover for the loss incurred by traders.” His comments underline contention between traders and the opposition on how the rally may affect local businesses in the capital.
Rahul previously encouraged shoppers in Delhi
Gandhi previously encouraged those attending the event from across the country to spend with local retailers, issuing a video message on social media on Saturday which urged supporters to bring sight of the political programme with them to shops across Delhi.
As it falls during the festive period when traders often see an increase in customers he urged local people to spend money they have with local shops in Delhi.
However the event caused some concern among several trader associations with requests sent to the Congress leadership asking them to put the event on hold. They cited the large number of people coming to Delhi and impact on the city’s supply chains.
Chamber of Trade And Industry wrote to Gandhi
The Chamber of Trade And Industry (CTI) had written to Gandhi ahead of the rally expressing concern about the impact on businesses operating in central Delhi.
With approximately 10 Lakh people expected to attend and an estimated 15-20,000 vehicles arriving in the capital, the trade body claimed the rally had caused delays, problems with finding parking and limited movement which could trouble several commercial areas.
They also claim up to nearly 2.5 Lakh of the 3 Lakh shops in the five kilometre radius of Ramlila Maidan could be closed.
Connaught Place is just one of the many markets spotted in the central an old city areas such as Chandni Chowk, Sadar Bazar, Khari Baoli, Daryaganj and Paharganj.
The organisation added they were concerned for the impact on shopkeepers but this is not meant to show they are pro any political party. They made the request with an eye to keeping business running smoothly during this key period.
Business disruption during peak shopping period
One key source of contention has been scheduling the march during the peak festive period. This is a big hit for most traders as many customers come during this period to buy clothes, furnishings, gifts and more.
The Federation of Sadar Bazar Traders Association said the period usually brings a sharp rise in sales – estimating they brought in around Rs 25,000 crore between the days of Dhanteras and Diwali. Any impact during these periodshowever could affect not only the shopkeepers but employees and delivery drivers.
Some trader groups have encouraged the Congress leadership to move the rally to after the festive period to avoid great amounts of people and vehicles appearing and making customer access to the commercial areas difficult.
INDIA bloc hold Chalo Dilli rally at Ramlila maidan
The INDIA bloc held their Chalo Dilli rally/ walk at Ramlila maidan on the 1st of November. Opposition leaders came together to protest their concerns during the voting process and about the role of the Election Commission.
The differing opinions on Connaught Place give a new twist to a political rally as Rahul Gandhi blames the BJP for directing shops to close however the traders’ associations have already stated their concern.
The amount shops are affected and if it was due to direction are not covered by the political allegations.
This situation showcases how difficult it can be to have large events in busy commercial parts of Delhi and how important it is to find a balance between people having the right to protest politically and keeping the traders happy.