Traders Take on Rahul Gandhi, Raise Five Tough Questions; CAIT Announces Nationwide ‘Dhikkar Diwas’ After Diwali

New Delhi: Traders across the country are preparing to raise their voice against political demonstrations that disrupt commercial activities and affect their livelihoods. The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) has written a strongly worded letter to Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, putting forward five pointed questions about protests that restrict public access to markets.

The traders' body has also announced plans to observe a nationwide ‘Dhikkar Diwas’ (Day of Condemnation) shortly after Diwali, with participation expected from Delhi and other parts of the country.

CAIT National President B.C. Bhartia alleged that continuous rallies, sit-ins and demonstrations in Delhi over the past month have disrupted normal business activities. He particularly questioned the political support extended to the Congress rally held on November 1 and other demonstrations.

According to Bhartia, the disruptions have come at a particularly difficult time for traders, as the festive and wedding shopping seasons are crucial for businesses. Restricted access to markets has affected customers' ability to reach shops, potentially causing significant financial losses.

What Are CAIT’s Five Questions to Rahul Gandhi?

In its letter, CAIT has raised five major questions concerning the impact of political protests on traders and their businesses:

1. Is the right to protest more important than the right to conduct business and earn a livelihood?

2. Who will compensate traders for the financial losses caused by disruptions in markets?

3. Why does Rahul Gandhi encourage people to shop locally while supporting demonstrations that make markets difficult to access?

4. Will the Congress party accept responsibility for the losses suffered by traders?

5. If similar disruptions affected Rahul Gandhi's own livelihood, would he accept such a situation?

Bhartia also referred to Articles 19(1)(a) and 19(1)(g) of the Constitution, stressing that freedom of expression and the right to carry out business and pursue a profession are both important democratic rights.

He maintained that traders should not become victims of political confrontations and that demonstrations must not come at the expense of ordinary people's livelihoods.

National Meeting Planned After Diwali

CAIT has stated that it will wait for Rahul Gandhi's response to the questions raised in its letter. Following Diwali, the organisation plans to convene a national meeting of leading trade representatives in New Delhi.

The meeting will decide the future course of action, including the date and strategy for the proposed nationwide ‘Dhikkar Diwas’.

Through this announcement, CAIT has sent a clear message that while peaceful protests are an essential part of democracy, they should not disrupt business activities or deprive small traders of their daily earnings.