Delhi Traders Seek UP-Like Law to Recover Losses from Protests

Upset over repeated protests in Central Delhi, particularly in Connaught Place and Jantar Mantar, traders and trade bodies are up in arms. The traders’ associations are meeting BJP MP Raghav Chadha to urge the government to come to their rescue. They want the government to introduce a law along the lines of the one enacted by the Uttar Pradesh government, under which organisations responsible for financial losses would be required to compensate affected traders.

Trade bodies alleged that they had suffered losses amounting to over Rs 1,000 crore so far. They said continuous protests had created a sense of fear among small traders who travel from across the country to buy goods. This had resulted in business losses for both Delhi-based traders and those who come to the capital to purchase products.

They said Connaught Place, the areas around New Delhi Railway Station, Paharganj and Chandni Chowk witnessed brisk business during the festive season. Central Delhi also attracts a large number of foreign visitors every day, many of whom purchase Indian products showcasing the country’s culture and heritage.

Meanwhile, BJP spokesperson and MP Sudhanshu Trivedi said the CJP, which was formed to champion students’ causes, was now attempting to disrupt the economy. He said its intentions had become clear from the economic disruption it was allegedly causing by violating the law every day. This, he added, raised suspicions that the opposition wanted to create an economic crisis in the state and had a different goal from that of the CEC.