Traders have suffered losses of 65-70% due to CJP’s protests in Connaught Place. New Delhi Traders Association advised shops to close at 6:30 pm on Wednesday due to security reasons. Business was also affected due to closure of metro stations during the sale season.
New Delhi [भारत]July 23 (ANI): Retailers and business owners in central Delhi’s Connaught Place (CP) have reported a massive 65% to 70% drop in revenue for two consecutive days, as the ongoing protests by the chauvinist Janata Party (CJP) have severely disrupted public movement and transit networks. Facing a deteriorating law and order situation during the evening rush hour, the New Delhi Traders Association (NDTA) advised shop owners to down shutters at 6:30 pm on Wednesday only to give priority to the safety of employees and the public.
The disruption occurred during the critical annual retail sales period, when CP’s markets typically record their highest revenues between 5:00 pm and 8:30 pm. Speaking to ANI, NDTA president Atul Bhargava confirmed that business functionaries collectively decided to close early rather than risk safety, commenting: “There is no point losing eight rupees to earn four rupees.”
Officials took the decision collectively
He said, “We were asked to keep assessing the situation and decide what we want to do with regard to early closing of shops. I spoke to a group of eight or nine officials, and we decided to close early.”
Bhargava said the protests have severely impacted customer footfall during the ongoing annual sales period, which is usually one of the busiest times for retailers. “On the first day, our sales were 20-25 per cent. In the next two days, including yesterday and today, sales were 35-40 per cent,” he said.
Problems increased due to closure of metro station
The closure of 15 to 16 Delhi Metro stations due to security reasons further disrupted customer movement and complicated safe commuting options for market staff. “It’s selling season, and most of the business happens between 5 pm and 8:30 pm. That’s exactly when all these events are happening,” he said.
Bhargava said traders were more concerned about the safety of employees and customers than extending trading hours. “There is no point in losing Rs 8 to earn Rs 4. We felt it was better to close early so that our employees can return home safely and also ensure our own safety,” he said.
He further said, “The situation has been worsening in the evening for the last two or three days. There are students, but there are also unwanted elements. Students do not indulge in such incidents. But you don’t know what these unwanted elements can do.”
Bhargava also cited the closure of several Delhi Metro stations as another factor behind the decision. “Around 15 or 16 metro stations have been closed due to security reasons. We have to ensure that our employees go back home, and that takes time. So we felt it was better to close early,” he said.
According to Bhargava, the traders association circulated a message asking members to keep in mind the prevailing situation and close shops at 6:30 pm on Wednesday. “At the moment, it is just for today. We don’t know what the situation will be tomorrow. We want this matter to end as soon as possible because it is causing huge losses to the country, businesses and traders,” he said.
He said businesses were already under pressure before the protests. “Business was already down because of Trump, and now this has happened. Our business is hurting,” Bhargava said. (ANI)
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianetnews Editorial staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)