New Delhi: Congress leader and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi accused the BJP of deliberately shutting down shops in Delhi's Connaught Place during the INDIA bloc's mega rally on Sunday. His remarks triggered a fresh political controversy, with traders also expressing concern over the disruption caused by the Opposition's march and public gathering.
Ahead of the rally, Rahul Gandhi had appealed to people travelling to Delhi to participate in the protest and also support local businesses by doing some shopping. However, in a video posted on social media on Sunday, Gandhi claimed that shops in Connaught Place had been forcibly closed.
"We told everyone that when you come here for the march and the mega rally, buy things and do some shopping. But while coming to Connaught Place, we found out that the BJP has forcibly shut down every single shop," Gandhi said.
He further questioned who was responsible for the financial losses suffered by local traders.
Parts of Connaught Place remained closed for several hours on Sunday morning, while parking areas were occupied by vehicles bringing rally participants. Shops that remained open reportedly witnessed low customer footfall.
The New Delhi Traders Association also raised concerns over repeated political demonstrations in the commercial area. Its president, Atul Bhargava, said such events were creating uncertainty among customers and affecting business activities. He called for restrictions on rallies and marches passing through Connaught Place.
The Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) had earlier written to INDIA bloc leaders, requesting them to reschedule the rally. According to the organisation, business worth around Rs 10,000–12,000 crore across nearly 20 major wholesale and retail markets in central and Old Delhi was at stake.
The rally was organised to protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi continued his attack on the Election Commission at Ramlila Maidan, alleging irregularities in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The BJP, however, rejected the Opposition's allegations.
The controversy over the rally has now extended beyond politics, bringing the concerns of Delhi's business community into the spotlight.
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