Traders feel neglected in election campaign

"Traders are only treated as a means to gather taxes. No one is willing to listen to our problems. Not a single political party is interested in us it seems," said Mahesh Vyas, a kirana store operator in Satellite area of the city. Vyas is not the only one. Bhaumik Dodiya, who runs a hardware shop says he is fed up of his business because of the uncertainties. Traders feel that inspite of contributing to the economy and job creation, they are not getting their pound of flesh when it comes to politics.

Ëvery six months, there is some new dictate from the government. Rules are changed overnight. We don't know what is happening to the country,"said Bhaumik. There is a general sense of feeling that while Patidars, SC, ST, OBC, women are being wood by the political parties to garner votes, small traders are ignored despite the fact that they operate even in the remotest part of the country and in rural areas.

"This is because traders as a professional community is not organised. They have to tackle their problems on individual basis. Everyone is speaking about farmers. But no one has come forward for traders," said Hiren Gandhi, chairman of Food Committee of Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI).

There is a general sentiment in the market that come what may, traders will not antagonize the political forces that are in power. 

"Traders are concerned about their safety and want that they are able to conduct business normally," said Vyas.

Kaushik Patel, an operator of a shop of electrical equipments said that he government is treating traders as if they are criminals. 

"No one is concerned about our condition. There is a slowdown in the market. Business is not happening. GST has compounded the problems. Political parties want votes but are not willing to make things easy for us," said Patel.

Highlighting the major bottlenecks faced by small shop keepers, Jayendra Tanna, VP of GCCI said that traders are facing unfair competition from organised retail and e-commerce, but there is no support from the government, either financial or other. 

"Government has MUDRA scheme, but actual benefit to small traders is minimum. We have asked for a Retail Trade Policy in Gujarat, on the lines of Maharashtra. However, the government did not act on it. Congress has announced some steps but is silent on the policy," said Tanna.

Gaurang Bhagat, President of Maskati Kapad Mahajan said that BJP owes its ascendance to power to the trading community, who have stood firmly as a rock behind the party.