New Delhi: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Sunday accused the BJP of forcibly shutting shops in Delhi's Connaught Place, alleging that the move had caused losses to local traders during the festive season.
In a video message recorded while he was heading towards the Minto Road–Connaught Place junction, Gandhi claimed that shops in the popular commercial area had been closed despite the INDIA bloc's appeal to rally participants to support local businesses.
Gandhi said opposition leaders had encouraged people travelling to Delhi from different parts of the country to visit local markets and purchase goods. The appeal was aimed at helping shopkeepers benefit from the large number of visitors arriving in the capital for the rally.
"Upon reaching Connaught Place, we learned that the BJP has forcibly shut down all the shops. The country is watching how the BJP is causing loss to the shopkeepers," Gandhi alleged.
The Congress leader's remarks came amid a political exchange between the BJP and the opposition over the possible impact of the INDIA bloc's 'Chalo Delhi' rally on businesses and commercial activities in the capital.
Earlier, Congress leader Renuka Chowdhury had also dismissed allegations that the rally would affect Delhi's traders. She argued that the presence of visitors from different states could generate additional business, particularly during the festive season.
The INDIA bloc's rally at Ramlila Maidan witnessed participation from several prominent opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, Mamata Banerjee, Akhilesh Yadav and Tejashwi Yadav.
Connaught Place, one of Delhi's prominent shopping and business destinations, became part of the political debate as opposition leaders highlighted the importance of supporting local traders.
However, Gandhi's allegation regarding the closure of shops has not been independently established. The issue has added another point of confrontation between the BJP and the Congress during Sunday's political gathering.
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