Delhi traders urge protesters to avoid Connaught Place, citing business losses, traffic disruptions and livelihood concerns during the festive season.

The New Delhi Traders Association has appealed to political parties and protesters to avoid holding demonstrations in Connaught Place, saying repeated disruptions are affecting businesses and the livelihoods of workers. The Delhi traders protest appeal comes ahead of the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) ‘Lehra Do Tiranga’ gathering scheduled at Central Park in Connaught Place on Friday.

Connaught Place, one of the capital’s prominent shopping and commercial areas, has witnessed disruptions amid protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged electoral malpractices. Traders say demonstrations, traffic restrictions and business closures have affected their daily earnings, particularly as the festive season gets underway.

Traders Ask Protesters to Use Approved Protest Sites

The association has urged political parties and protest groups to organise demonstrations at designated venues instead of disrupting commercial activity in Connaught Place. Its appeal follows a Delhi Police order dated October 11 that identified Ramlila Ground, Burari Ground and CBD Ground in East Delhi as protest venues, with separate standard operating procedures to be issued for their use.

Questioning why demonstrations continue to affect market areas, the traders’ body said protesters have a right to raise their concerns, but business owners and workers also have a right to earn their livelihood.

The Delhi traders protest appeal stressed that Connaught Place is a commercial hub rather than a designated protest site. The association asked demonstrators to respect the working environment of shopkeepers and avoid obstructing public services.

also read:- Centre, Delhi Police Defend October 10 CJP Protest Curbs Before Supreme Court 

Festive Season Business Under Pressure

According to the traders’ association, protests over the past three weeks have affected sales and disrupted the livelihoods of shopkeepers, waiters, drivers, street vendors and other employees. Road closures and traffic congestion have also made commuting difficult for workers and inconvenienced visitors.

The association warned that continued disruptions could discourage tourists and families from visiting the market, while also affecting business activity and government revenue.

In messages shared on social media, the traders urged protesters to choose alternative locations and allow businesses to operate peacefully. One of the messages highlighted the contrast between the demand for a better future and the immediate impact of demonstrations on people trying to earn a living.

The Delhi traders protest appeal also called for public spaces and essential services to remain accessible, especially during the festive period when markets typically see increased activity.

CJP Plans ‘Lehra Do Tiranga’ Gathering

The appeal comes before the CJP’s planned ‘Lehra Do Tiranga’ gathering at Central Park in Connaught Place. Party founder Abhijeet Dipke has called on people to assemble at the park carrying the national flag.

Responding to the planned event, the association said it respects the right of political parties and citizens to protest and express their views. However, it maintained that Connaught Place should not become a venue that repeatedly disrupts the work of traders and employees.

The Delhi traders protest appeal reflects the growing tension between the right to demonstrate and the concerns of businesses affected by public gatherings. Traders are asking political groups to use approved protest locations so that demonstrations can take place without significantly affecting commercial activity.

As the festive season continues, the association’s central demand remains that Connaught Place should be allowed to function as a marketplace, with businesses, workers, residents and visitors able to go about their activities peacefully.