KASHIF HASNAIN (PHOTO/VIDEO BY SAURABH SHRIVASTAVA)
New Delhi: City traders and businessmen have been observing 48 hours bandh on Friday and Saturday to protest the ongoing sealing drive in National Capital.
The bandh, called by Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), will affect markets in Connaught Place, Chandni Chowk, Karol Bagh, Kamla Nagar, Khan Market, South Extension, Greater Kailash, Lajpat Nagar, Defence Colony, Green Park, Rajouri Garden and Tilak Nagar which will remain closed.
However, businessmen were in dilemma betweens two trade associations. Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) called for 48 hours bandh while Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) called for 72 hours of bandh.
The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), in a statement, said the sealing is being conducted by “sidelining fundamental provisions” of MCD Act, 1957 “under the guise of order of the Supreme Court” and demanded an investigation as to “why the traders are being deprived of such provisions”.
“The traders together on this issue and the first day bandh was observed successfully, said CAIT national secretary Praveen Khandelwal adding that we have support of around 2 lakh traders.
However, bandh continued despite the claim of BJP Delhi Chief Manoj Tiwari that the sealing in special areas have been called off and a matter would be sort out within three days.
Major political parties BJP, AAP and Congress extended their support to all the trades bandh. Senior Congress leaders Ajay Makan also join the protestors and boosted their demands.
Later, Delhi, BJP MLA, Vijender Gupta and member of DDA Vijender Gupta said, “All three of our proposals of amending in 2021 master plan of Delhi have been passed by the Union government and LG. All the process will take place in 3 days.
Three proposals are Commercialising ground floors, exempt commercial change and increase RFA.
