Delhi traders claim Rs 10,000-11,000 crore loss after INDIA bloc rally
Chamber of Trade and Industry Chairman Brijesh Goyal said the Ramlila Maidan event caused massive market closures and transport disruptions.
The trading sector in Delhi lost an estimated Rs 10,000-11,000 crore because of disruptions from the INDIA bloc rally at Ramlila Maidan, according to Moneycontrol.
Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) Chairman Brijesh Goyal said on Sunday that 20 to 25 major markets near the venue were affected. He claimed that roughly 2,50,000 out of nearly 3,00,000 shops remained shut due to panic regarding the expected influx of people and vehicles.
Goyal stated that the movement of 3 lakh to 4 lakh business travellers from surrounding towns was halted. He also said approximately 5,000 vehicles, including trucks and tempos, could not operate, which stopped the loading and unloading of goods in Old Delhi and Central Delhi.
The disruption occurred during the peak Diwali season, with Dhanteras shopping scheduled for four days later. Goyal noted that even in shops that stayed open, sales were almost non-existent because there were no customers.
Members of the Automotive Parts Merchant Association (APMA) at Kashmere Gate had previously warned that the rally would paralyse wholesale markets. APMA President Vinay Narang told ANI that while they do not oppose democratic protests, the timing and location were disastrous for commerce.
Goyal questioned whether the organisers would compensate the traders for the financial hit caused by the event.