In a bid to increase voter participation, major markets in the city will remain closed on Tuesday. The initiative is purely on a voluntary basis and no businessmen will be forced to put the shutters down, they said.
Choksi Mahajan, Manek Chowk Sona Chandi Bazar, Panchkuwa Kapad Mahajan, Gujarat Garments Manufacturers Association, the retail market along Gheekanta Road, Madhupura market for spices are among the ones that will remain closed.
Gaurang Bhagat, president of Maskati Market Kapad Mahajan said that a formal notice has been issued on the same. "All shops in our market will remain closed. They are free to open their shops after casting their vote," said Bhagat. However, there is no hard-and-fast dictate to observe a strict bandh. Many businessmen have to adhere to compliance of GST. A day's off for them can be counterproductive, said market sources.
However, Hiren Gandhi, vice chairman for Food Committee of Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) feels otherwise. "With bank officials roped in for poll duty, banking services have been affected. As a result, the business sector has taken a hit. Many of the bank transactions have been derailed. In such circumstances, the loss will be negligible if shops are closed for one more day," said Gandhi.
As per sources in the trade and industry, the response to the appeal is likely to yield better results in the old city rather. "The appeal also applies to new city areas. It is up to them whether to open shops or not. Moreover, the process is time-consuming. Thus, it is advisable not to open shops on voting day. We have made an appeal to businessmen to keep their shops closed on the polling day. It is purely on a voluntary basis," said Ashish Jhaveri, media convener of Amdavad Vepari Mahajan.
Moreover, the eastern part of Ahmedabad has, on previous occasions, witnessed incidents of violence during election dates. Thus, shop-keepers will not open their shops as a precautionary measure.
CAUTIOUS STEPS
The eastern part of the city on previous occasions, witnessed incidents of violence during election dates. Thus, shop-keepers will not open their shops as a precautionary measure
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