New Delhi: Chandni Chowk MP and Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) National General Secretary Praveen Khandelwal has appealed to Delhi BJP workers to support local businesses by purchasing festive goods from neighbourhood markets. He claimed that protests, rallies and traffic disruptions have caused preliminary estimated losses of more than ₹4,000 crore to Delhi’s trading community.
Khandelwal said the festive season is one of the most important periods for traders, with businesses relying on increased customer footfall to generate revenue. Disruptions during this time affect not only shopkeepers but also street vendors, hawkers, daily-wage workers, goods transporters and small business owners whose livelihoods depend on regular commercial activity.
Festive Shopping Can Help Local Businesses Recover
Khandelwal urged BJP workers to make local markets their preferred shopping destinations for clothing, sweets, gifts and household products. He called upon party MPs, MLAs, councillors, state and district office-bearers, and workers at the mandal level to participate in the initiative.
He also encouraged party members to involve their families, friends and acquaintances in the campaign, with a particular focus on supporting small shopkeepers and local artisans.
According to Khandelwal, increased purchases from neighbourhood businesses during the festive period could help improve traders’ earnings and boost confidence among those affected by recent disruptions.
Why Has Khandelwal Raised Concerns Over Protests?
Khandelwal expressed concern over the Congress party’s proposed rally scheduled for November 1, arguing that political programmes should take into account public convenience and the livelihoods of traders.
He acknowledged that peaceful protests are a democratic right but stressed that such activities should not unnecessarily disrupt public movement or commercial operations.
He said prolonged traffic restrictions and reduced customer movement can create financial difficulties for businesses, particularly smaller establishments that depend on daily sales to meet operating expenses.
Call to Strengthen Delhi’s Trading Community
Khandelwal said festive purchases from local markets could serve as a practical way to support Delhi’s business community at a challenging time. He emphasised that choosing neighbourhood shops and locally made products can help sustain small businesses and provide economic support to families dependent on them.
The appeal seeks to encourage greater customer participation in local markets during the festive season, while drawing attention to the economic consequences of disruptions caused by rallies and demonstrations.
