Trade Body Urges Ban on Rallies in Delhi Ahead of Bhaiya Dooj Festival

New Delhi, November 3 (Daily Kiran) : The Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) has formally requested that the Delhi Police Commissioner prohibit any rallies or protests in central and old Delhi until November 11, coinciding with the Bhaiya Dooj festival. This request specifically targets areas including Connaught Place, Jantar Mantar, Ramlila Maidan, India Gate, Raj Ghat, and Delhi Gate.

CTI Chairman Brijesh Goyal expressed concern over the financial strain on traders, stating that ongoing protests have already caused considerable economic damage. He noted that businesses are particularly vulnerable during this peak shopping season, which is crucial for festival sales.

According to CTI, businesses in Delhi suffered an estimated loss of approximately ₹14,000 crores between October 1 and November 1. The organization highlighted that continuous demonstrations throughout October resulted in persistent traffic jams in central Delhi, severely impacting retail businesses in areas such as Connaught Place, Janpath, and Karol Bagh. During this period, these businesses reportedly faced losses of around ₹3,000 crores.

Goyal pointed out that a significant rally held on November 1 at Ramlila Maidan led to further losses, with estimates suggesting that around ₹11,000 crores in business was affected. Retail and wholesale sectors alone incurred losses of about ₹8,800 crores.

The CTI noted that there are approximately 300,000 shops within a five-kilometer radius of Ramlila Maidan. Major commercial centers like Kashmiri Gate, Chandni Chowk, and Kamla Market were among those severely impacted, with around 250,000 shops closing on the day of the rally, leading to an 80% decline in business activity.

The organization also raised concerns for the upcoming festival season, which includes Dhanteras on November 6, Diwali on November 8, and Bhaiya Dooj on November 11. Goyal emphasized that the next ten days represent a crucial business opportunity for around 20 lakh traders and 75 lakh employees in Delhi.

CTI has put forth three key demands to the police commissioner: a complete ban on rallies in specified areas until November 11, the designation of alternative sites for protests, and ensuring smooth traffic flow and adequate parking during the festive season.

Goyal warned that if traders continue to face losses during this critical period, they may be forced to hand over the keys to their shops to those organizing the demonstrations.

Tensions remain high as the trade body seeks to protect the livelihoods of Delhi’s business community during a pivotal time for commerce.