Delhi Traders Demand Halt to Protests Until Bhai Dooj, Warn of Handing Over Shop Keys

New Delhi: With the festive shopping season underway, Delhi's business community has raised concerns over repeated protests, demonstrations and rallies disrupting commercial activities across the capital. The Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) has written to the Delhi Police Commissioner, seeking a ban on rallies, sit-ins and protest marches across Central and Old Delhi until November 11, the occasion of Bhai Dooj.

The proposed restrictions cover key locations, including Connaught Place, Jantar Mantar, Ramlila Maidan, India Gate, Rajghat and Delhi Gate. CTI has warned that traders could hand over their shop keys to those organising rallies and protests if festive business suffers further losses.

Traders Claim ₹14,000 Crore Business Loss in One Month

CTI Chairman Brijesh Goyal claimed that Delhi's trading community suffered estimated losses of around ₹14,000 crore between October 1 and November 1.

According to him, repeated demonstrations throughout October disrupted traffic in Central Delhi, affecting retail markets, hotels, restaurants and the transportation sector. These disruptions reportedly caused losses of approximately ₹3,000 crore to these businesses.

Ramlila Maidan Rally Reportedly Disrupted ₹11,000 Crore Trade

CTI's estimates suggest that the mega rally held at Ramlila Maidan on November 1 alone affected business worth nearly ₹11,000 crore in a single day.

The organisation claimed that approximately 2.5 lakh shops in and around the rally-affected areas remained closed, with business activity dropping by as much as 80 per cent. Major commercial hubs, including Kashmere Gate, Chandni Chowk, Sadar Bazaar, Khari Baoli, Chawri Bazaar, Daryaganj, Karol Bagh and Connaught Place, were reportedly affected.

According to CTI's assessment, the estimated sector-wise losses included:

• Retail and wholesale trade: ₹8,800 crore

• Transportation and goods movement: ₹1,500 crore

• Hotels, restaurants and tourism: ₹500 crore

• Daily-wage workers and the unorganised sector: ₹200 crore

The organisation also claimed that nearly three to four lakh potential customers from neighbouring cities avoided travelling to Delhi due to anticipated traffic congestion.

What Are CTI's Three Key Demands?

Brijesh Goyal said Dhanteras, Diwali and Bhai Dooj are among the most important business occasions for traders, and repeated road closures during this period could severely affect their annual earnings.

CTI has put forward three major demands:

1. No permission for rallies, demonstrations or protest marches at major commercial locations in Central and Old Delhi until November 11.

2. Alternative venues, including Burari, Alipur, Jasola and Yamuna Khadar, should be designated for organising rallies and demonstrations.

3. Smooth transportation and adequate parking arrangements should be maintained across Central Delhi during the festive season.

Goyal warned that if Diwali business is disrupted, traders may hand over their shop keys to the organisers of rallies and demonstrations as a mark of protest.

The traders have urged authorities to prioritise smooth traffic movement and uninterrupted commercial activity during the festive period, saying Delhi's streets should reflect the spirit of celebration rather than repeated confrontations.