Following the India Bloc rally at Ramlila Maidan in Delhi, the CTI has claimed business losses of between ₹10,000 and ₹11,000 crore. Find out how many shops remained closed during this period and which markets were affected.
Delhi Traders Loss: Market closed, claims loss
Before Diwali, Delhi's markets are usually crowded. Shopkeepers hope the festival will boost sales and boost their business for the year. However, this time, business is being reported to be affected in many of the capital's major markets.
According to the merchant organization CTI, business in approximately 20 to 25 markets in Old and Central Delhi came to a virtual standstill due to the India Bloc rally at Ramlila Maidan on November 1. The organization claims that this resulted in losses of approximately 10,000 to 11,000 crore rupees to merchants.
How many shops remained closed?
According to CTI Chairman Brijesh Goyal, there are approximately 300,000 shops around Ramlila Maidan. Of these, approximately 80%, or approximately 250,000, remained closed on the day of the rally. Traders say that a large number of people and vehicles were expected for the rally. This is why many shopkeepers decided to keep their shops closed. In some markets, shops remained open, but fewer customers came.
Which markets saw business hal
According to traders, several major wholesale and retail markets in Old and Central Delhi surround the Ramlila Maidan. These include areas like Chandni Chowk, Sadar Bazaar, Khari Baoli, Kashmere Gate, Chawri Bazaar, Daryaganj, Paharganj, Mori Gate, Connaught Place, and Gaffar Market.
These markets supply goods not only to Delhi-NCR but also to other states. Businesses say that the closure of shops and disruption of traffic have affected not only shopkeepers' sales but also the supply of goods and the earnings of daily wage workers.
CTI claims
that approximately 5,000 trucks and tempos transport goods from Delhi's industrial areas to these markets daily. Additionally, approximately 3,000 vehicles carry goods from the markets to Delhi-NCR and other cities.
According to the traders' association, the rally disrupted the loading and unloading of goods and the movement of vehicles. Disruptions in supply ahead of the festive season could cause losses to businesses.
Delhi traders did not want a rally before Diwali.
Traders in Delhi had expressed concerns about the timing and location of the rally before the event. They argued that the days before Dhanteras and Diwali are peak business hours in the markets. Therefore, a large rally at Ramlila Maidan could disrupt traffic and customer flow in the surrounding markets.
CTI had appealed to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and other India bloc leaders to hold the rally after Diwali or change the venue. The organization suggested holding the rally on or after November 10-11, or at the Burari ground.
