Indian traders are observing Bharat bandh (nationwide shutdown) by keeping their shops shut on Thursday as they are protesting the government’s decision to allow foreign direct investment (FDI) in the retail sector.
Narender Madan, chief of Delhi unit of Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), claimed that the all-India bandh has the backing of a large number of traders.
In Delhi, Wholesale as well as retail markets in the Sadar Bazar, Kamla Nagar, Connaught Place, Chawri Bazar, Karol Bagh, Khan Market, Kashmere Gate, Rohini, Krishna Nagar and Tilak Nagar are closed today.
Traders have also planned
to stage a sit-in at Jantar Mantar in Delhi.
Praveen Khandelwal, general secretary of CAIT, claimed that more than ten thousand trade organizations throughout India have joined the all-India bandh.
Social activist Anna Hazare has also criticized the decision to allow FDI in the retail sector, suggest the government to see what people are saying.
Speaking on the topic, Hazare said, “Many states have shown their dissent towards the decision of the government to bring Foreign Direct Investment. Some people are protesting against it. The government should look at what the people are saying as this is a democracy.”
But despite the nationwide protest, the government has ruled out a rollback of the controversial decision.
