Rahul Gandhi alleges BJP forcibly shut shops at Connaught Place
The Congress leader claimed the BJP is causing losses to traders while heading to an INDIA bloc rally at Ramlila Maidan.
Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Sunday alleged that the BJP has forcibly shut down shops at Delhi's Connaught Place. According to reports by The Indian Express, Gandhi made these remarks while travelling to the Ramlila Maidan for an INDIA bloc protest.
Speaking from a vehicle near the Minto Road-Connaught Place junction, Gandhi said the opposition bloc had encouraged people attending the rally to shop at the area to benefit local traders. He claimed that upon reaching the location, he found that the BJP had forcibly closed every shop.
Gandhi stated that the country is watching how the ruling party is causing losses to shopkeepers. On Saturday night, he had urged people coming to the national capital for the march and rally to support local traders during the festive season of Diwali, Chhath, and Bhai Dooj.
The INDIA bloc rally at Ramlila Maidan is being held to protest alleged electoral irregularities and to demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Gandhi had previously asserted that the opposition programme would not hurt businesses despite the BJP spreading rumours.
The area has seen recent tensions, with traders previously alleging they lost Rs 2,000 crore due to protest-related restrictions. Jantar Mantar was de-notified as a protest site on October 11, with Ramlila Maidan becoming one of the new designated locations.