Post-Rally Relief: Delhi Trade Urged to Return to Normal
New Delhi, November 2
Traders in Delhi are being encouraged to return to normal business activity after the INDIA alliance rally, according to Rajendra Kapoor, president of the All India Motor Transport Association (AIMTC). Speaking on Monday, Kapoor expressed worry about the damage the rally caused to traders and asked customers and buyers to visit the capital without fear.
Kapoor said the rally has now ended, and the people who took part in it have returned to their own places. He stated that political parties have the right to hold rallies, dharnas and protests in a democratic setup. Still, he believes the business calendar and the festive season should be considered while choosing dates for such events.
He highlighted that the period before Diwali is the most significant time for traders. Any disturbance in this phase, he said, directly hits commercial activity.
He explained that the letter issued by trade organisations merely outlines what the rally gained politically and what the business community lost. Kapoor believes opposition parties got a chance to present their message and strengthen their political ground, but the situation of traders did not receive enough attention.
"If the only aim was to achieve political objectives, another date could have been chosen," he said.
Looking ahead, Kapoor appealed to all political parties to take the trade calendar and festive season into account while planning their programmes. This, he said, would help avoid unnecessary harm to business and employment.
He also reached out to traders, customers and buyers across the country. According to him, there is no major rally or protest expected in Delhi until Diwali, so there is no reason for concern.
"We appeal with folded hands to traders, consumers and buyers across the country to come to Delhi normally from tomorrow and start business. There is no fear of any hurdle or disruption now. A normal atmosphere for trade and shopping needs to be created so that some of the losses suffered during the festive season can be recovered," Kapoor said.
On Sunday, he had stated that political activity is essential in India's democracy, but the steady flow of trade, employment and economic activity is equally important.
He said that if large rallies and protests disrupt markets, transport and supply chains, the effects go far beyond traders. Lakhs of employees, transporters, small businesses and consumers are also impacted.
Kapoor stressed that a future balance is needed, one that protects democratic rights while ensuring that commercial activities are not affected.