Kejriwal reaches out to traders; blames BJP, L-G
NEW DELHI: Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal criticised the BJP and said that the L-G and the BJP-led civic bodies should come up with a permanent solution to the ongoing sealing drive in the city while addressing a group of traders at E-block Hauz Khas Market on Tuesday afternoon.
“We are completely against sealing in Delhi. This is a third blow to the traders in a year after demonetisation and Goods and Services Tax (GST). Delhi is all about traders and if they are made to suffer, then how city’s economy will work?” Kejriwal questioned.
CM’s day-long tour to six such markets comes at a time when Delhi is staring at bypolls after disqualification of Aam Aadmi Party’s 20 MLAs for allegedly holding office of profit.
After a ruckus in a meeting with BJP leaders earlier in the day, Kejriwal began his market tour from Model Town at 12.30 pm. It was followed by Sadar Bazar where he was shown black flags by some traders, alleged locals. Around 1.45 pm, Kejriwal reached Karol Bagh market and from there he went to Meherchand Market. His cavalcade then proceeded towards Defence Colony where he explained how the government was not in a position to do much on the issue. Kejriwal concluded his tour at Hauz Khas Market.
Kejrwal pointed out flaws in the laws (Master Plan 2021), which led to sealing and traders being troubled. He also referred to a letter written to lieutenantgovernor Anil Baijal last week to stop sealing by implementing four-point solutions, which includes a change in Master Plan 2021 and an ordinance to halt the sealing drive.
“If he (L-G) wants, sealing can be stopped within 24 hours by acting on our suggestions. We will go to the Supreme Court seeking a stay on sealing. A petition is being prepared in this connection,” Kejriwal said. Copies of CM’s January 25 letter to the L-G were also distributed among the traders at each of the markets.
A realtor, Gulshan Kumar, who has an office at Green Park Market said that he has paid over ₹5 lakh as conversion charge in the last 10 years. Yet, he still fears sealing. “This is a good gesture that chief minister himself is reaching out to the traders to know their problems and clear government’s stand on sealing,” Kumar said.