Citing the closure of over 20,000 properties, including shops, factories and other commercial establishments precisely a year after a pan-city sealing drive commenced in the Capital, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) announced it would take to the streets if an ordinance against it was not introduced in the Parliament.
AAP New Delhi Parliamentary constituency in-charge Brijesh Goyal, at a press conference on the issue here on Saturday, demanded that each of the seven Members of Parliament also press the Centre to provide relief from sealing.
Businessmen from Lajpat Nagar, Mansarovar, Naraina, Karol Bagh, and other areas, whose shops have been sealed, were also present.
“Thousands have been rendered without means to earn their livelihoods since the sealing drive began on this day last year... Will the seven MPs from BJP guarantee that a law to stop sealing will be made in this [Parliament] session? Will the Central government bring a bill in the Parliament for de-sealing the thousands of shops and factories sealed?” Mr. Goyal said.
“There are thousands of merchants and shopkeepers, whose ability to earn their bread and butter has been affected for a year. Now, it is becoming increasingly difficult for them not only to work but also to provide for their children’s school fees,” he said.
Mr. Goyal also attacked Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari for “making big promises” about modifications in the Master Plan of Delhi 2021 that would result in desealing. But not even a single shopkeeper has got relief, said Mr. Goyal
“We demand that an ordinance against sealing be introduced in this session of Parliament before the imposition of the Model Code of Conduct... We have called a rally on December 19 at Jantar Mantar where we will decide whether to march to Parliament [on the issue] or to the residence of the Prime Minister,” he added.
