New Delhi, 6 May (IANS). The announcement to transfer the historical and crowded markets of Delhi has created a stir in the politics of the national capital. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) that this decision is a ‘well-planned conspiracy’ composed against the traders of Delhi.
AAP leader and Delhi Pradesh Convenor Saurabh Bhardwaj said that at an event held at Bharat Mandapam at Pragati Maidan on May 2, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta talked about transferring big markets. The event was organized by the merchant organization Cat, in which traders of major markets like Sadar Bazar, Chandni Chowk, Dariyaganj, Khari Bawli were invited.
There has been a stir among the traders after the Chief Minister’s statement. Saurabh Bhardwaj says that this move of the BJP government is not only hurting the sentiments of the traders, but will also harm the cultural heritage of Delhi. He claimed that this ‘conspiracy’ of the BJP is not new. He said that in 2022, BJP leader Kuljit Chahal had held a meeting of Delhi traders with Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, in which he was given several temptations to transfer business to Haryana. After that, the process of construction of new markets in the name of ‘Bhagirath Palace’ and ‘Chandni Chowk’ was started in Sonepat.
Bhardwaj said that when the Aam Aadmi Party government was in Delhi, markets like Chandni Chowk were renewed on the demand of traders and a budget of 100 crores was also allotted for other markets.
He said, “These markets of Delhi are not just a business center, but the legacy of our elders.” The AAP leader demanded Chief Minister Rekha Gupta to withdraw his statement immediately.
He said, “The Delhi government should work towards improving the system of markets, not to destroy them.” The party clarified that it is standing with the traders of Delhi and this decision will be opposed at every level.
-IANS
PKT/DSC/Acade
