Traders hold mega rally

Raising slogans of ‘Vyapari Ekta Zindabad’, scores of traders gathered in a mega rally at Ghanta Ghar in Chandni Chowk, demanding an immediate end to the sealing drive in the National Capital on Thursday. The traders are calling it a ‘virat rally’ and also pressed their demand to the Centre for bringing in an ordinance in Parliament to stop the drive allowing regularisation of shops under the mix land use.  

Traders dotted the busy market streets with placards and banners saying ‘Vyapari ki rozi-roti mat cheeno’ (Do not take away traders’ bread and butter) urging the Centre to intervene. The rally started from Red Fort and culminated at Ghanta Ghar, where a public meeting was held and the traders put forth their demands.  

The rally called by the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) came a day after the trader’s community presented roses to the government officials on Valentine’s Day to mark their protest.  

Besides, calling on the Arvind Kejriwal-led AAP government, they demanded that a special one-day Assembly session must be convened to pass a Bill for stopping the sealing drive.    

“The government must not test the patience of traders. It is unacceptable that those sitting in Parliament are tight-lipped over the issue. They must not forget that they have been elected by the people to represent their cause and elections will be held in the future as well. Many small-time businessmen and those working at the shops have lost their means of livelihood because of this haphazard approach to policy-making, including the Delhi Master Plan-2021,” said Praveen Khandelwal, general secretary, CAIT.  

Over 350 traders associations had gathered under the umbrella of the CAIT to demand that a fresh Master Plan 2021-41 to be worked upon, including traders’ representatives as well, besides officials and planners under Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal.  

The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) is yet to submit the suggestions received by traders and public at large.

LET THE COMMON MAN UNITE: TRADERS  

• The rally started from Red Fort and culminated at Ghanta Ghar. 
   
• Rally called by the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) came a day after the trader’s community presented roses to the government officials.