New Delhi Traders Report Rs 2,000 Crore Loss From Protests

Traders in New Delhi report estimated business losses of Rs 2,000 crore following protests led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and subsequent police restrictions during the festive shopping season. The demonstrations target the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls and demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

Business owners in commercial hubs including Connaught Place, Khan Market, and Sadar Bazar report sharp declines in footfall, with some recording zero sales on certain days. In Connaught Place, some establishments reported business dropping to less than half of normal levels. Traders state that social media videos and fears of traffic restrictions deter visitors, making it difficult to cover fixed costs like rent and salaries.

In response, trade associations have petitioned the Delhi High Court and the Supreme Court for a Standard Operating Procedure for protests. Chief Justice Surya Kant expressed concern for the livelihoods of small shopkeepers and indicated the court may consider compensation if restrictions imposed by the New Delhi Municipal Council are found to be unlawful.

The CJP maintains that its protests are peaceful and argues that business disruptions result from government security measures rather than the demonstrations themselves. Meanwhile, the New Delhi Municipal Council closed Central Park in Connaught Place to the public on October 16 and 17, while Delhi Police deployed 6,000 personnel and implemented prohibitory orders.