Delhi traders' body writes to Rahul Gandhi over protest disruptions, plans nationwide 'day of condemnation'

The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) wrote on November 5 to Rahul Gandhi, leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha, holding him and the Indian National Congress politically and morally responsible for repeated disruptions to trade and business in New Delhi caused by political rallies, sit-ins and protests over the past month. The letter singles out a Congress rally on November 1 and the party's support for several other demonstrations. CAIT also announced a nationwide 'Dhikkar Diwas' (Day of Condemnation) to be held after Diwali. (Photo: file photo of a busy Delhi shopping street.)

Traders say festive-season business hit

In the letter, CAIT said the run of political events had physically prevented customers from reaching markets, inflicting economic losses on traders during the peak festive and wedding shopping season. CAIT national president B. C. Bhartia accused Gandhi of holding contradictory positions: publicly urging citizens to patronise local markets while backing events that stop customers getting to them. CAIT said Delhi is not merely a political arena but the livelihood backbone for millions of traders, shopkeepers, street vendors and daily-wage workers.

Date for condemnation day to be set after Diwali

CAIT said it will observe the 'Dhikkar Diwas' across the country, with the exact date to be decided at a national meeting of business leaders in New Delhi to be convened immediately after Diwali. The traders' body said it will await Gandhi's response before that meeting. At the time of publication, the Congress party had not publicly responded to the letter.