After traders associations of the Capital announced 'Delhi Bandh' on February 2-3, political parties have jumped into the fray to extend their support. Delhi BJP extended its support in favour of traders while Delhi Congress too announced its support to the 48- hour bandh called by the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT). Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has already announced in his speech, on the eve of Republic day, to cooperate with the Union Government over the issue.
Assuring the traders on the sealing drive by the Supreme Court monitoring committee — Environment Protection Control Authority (EPCA) — Delhi BJP unit Chief Manoj Tiwari said they are in regular touch with the Central Government for solving the problem.
Attacking Delhi Pradesh Congress president Ajay Makan, Tiwari said Makan is solely responsible for the problems faced by traders today. "During the period between 2006 and 2006 he was the Urban Development Minister and he behaved like an ostrich and tried to avoid this problem instead of solving it. The incomplete rules framed during his time are the cause of this problem which have returned before us after a decade," Tiwari added.
Meanwhile, Praveen Khandelwal, general secretary of CAIT, criticised politicians for politicising issue with a purpose. "We are fighting the battle for our survival and livelihood and they are more interested in propagating their political agenda which is not acceptable to us. If they can't help in bringing any relief to us, they should desist from playing politics," he said.
The traders associations' decision to keep the shutters down in the national Capital has received a massive support not only from different associations but political parties as well.
On Wednesday, in a meeting, associations of markets like Connaught Place, Chandni Chowk, Chawri Bazar, All Markets of South Delhi, Khan Market, Sadar Bazar, Rajouri Garden, TilakNagar and other markets of West Delhi, Karol Bagh, Kamla Nagar, Ashok Vihar, Rohini and other markets of North Delhi declared their support to 48 hours Delhi trade bandh.
It is expected that more than 7 lakh traders from more than 2000 markets will participate in the protest to lodge their concerns against sealing of business establishments.
In a Vyapari Mahasammelan held on Wednesday, the traders demanded the Central Government to come into action and immediately bring a bill in the Parliament to protect entire trade from the clutches of sealing.