Delhi traders have warned that continued protests and traffic restrictions could cause business losses of over Rs 10,000 crore by Diwali on November 8, urging authorities to relocate a Congress rally planned at Ramlila Maidan.
The Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) claimed on Saturday that demonstrations and security restrictions had already cost businesses in the national capital nearly Rs 3,000 crore in October. The association has called for restrictions on protests in central Delhi until Diwali, citing concerns over the impact on retail and wholesale trade during the crucial festive shopping period.
CTI chairman Brijesh Goyal, as quoted by NDTV, said demonstrations on October 10 resulted in estimated losses of around Rs 2,000 crore. Businesses suffered a further loss of approximately Rs 1,000 crore between October 13 and 16 as road closures, Metro disruptions and restrictions affected commercial activity.
According to the association, retail trade accounted for Rs 1,800 crore of the estimated losses, while wholesale businesses suffered losses of around Rs 600 crore. Goyal warned that the cumulative losses could exceed Rs 10,000 crore by Diwali if the disruptions continued.
Traders Object To Congress Rally At Ramlila Maidan
Delhi Vyapar Mahasangh has written to the Lieutenant Governor, Delhi Police Commissioner and MCD Commissioner, demanding cancellation of or shifting of an INDIA bloc programme at Ramlila Maidan.
The letter of the association mentioned a proposed programme from October 29 to November 3. Delhi police had, however, given no objection to the Congress to hold a rally at the venue on November 1.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Rohit Rajbir Singh said Congress had sought police assistance after the MCD assured them of the field. The party will submit the police certificate to the civic body to complete the booking process.
Traders have argued that Ramlila Maidan's proximity to major wholesale markets, including Sadar Bazar, Chandni Chowk, Khari Baoli and Chawri Bazar, makes it an unsuitable location for a large gathering during the run-up to Diwali.
The Mahasangh claimed that recent protests had already affected nearly 30 per cent of wholesale trade. It warned that further restrictions could delay shipments, lead to order cancellations and drive customers away.
The association has also raised concerns over access to Lok Nayak and GB Pant hospitals, as well as New Delhi Railway Station. It has called for uninterrupted movement of ambulances, patients and railway passengers during any demonstration.
The Mahasangh clarified that its objection was to the venue and timing of the proposed rally, rather than the right to peaceful protest.
Traders Cite Livelihood Concerns As Protest Venues Change
The demand comes after Delhi Police designated Ramlila Maidan, Burari Ground and CBD Ground as protest venues on October 11, removing Jantar Mantar from the list.
A day before the traders' latest demand, the New Delhi Traders' Association had also urged demonstrators to stay away from Connaught Place and use designated protest sites.
"They have a right to protest, we have a right to livelihood," the association said.
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The issue has also reached the Supreme Court. On Friday, the court declined to issue an immediate order on a separate plea concerning protests at Connaught Place. Chief Justice Surya Kant observed, "We hope better sense will prevail on everyone."
Meanwhile, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke has challenged the argument that peaceful protests are responsible for business losses, contending that restrictions imposed by the authorities are to blame.
The Mahasangh has sought discussions with officials before the rally arrangements are finalised, while CTI has called for measures to protect businesses during the festive season.