Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari skipped an open debate here on Wednesday with Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) trade wing convener Brijesh Goyal on the ongoing sealing drive.
The open debate, which Mr. Goyal said had been scheduled to find a solution to the sealing drive that has affected the livelihoods of traders across the State, was organised near Chandni Chowk’s Town Hall.
“Around 400 businessmen from Delhi had come [here] with the hope that they could ask Mr. Tiwari some questions related to the sealing issue. However, the businessmen were disappointed because of his absence,” Mr. Goyal said in a statement.
Traders participation
He said the event saw participation from various traders based in Lajpat Nagar, Defence Colony, Chhatarpur, Vishwas Nagar and Tri Nagar, among other markets that had recently witnessed the drive. Those present at the event on Wednesday expressed disappointment over Mr. Tiwari’s absence, saying they had hoped he would listen to their grievances.
As Delhi Marble Dealers Association president Sandeep Bharadwaj said, “We assembled here believing that a solution would be arrived at as it [the debate] would have involved the presence of all the stakeholders. Mr. Tiwari’s absence has disappointed us all.”
All India Diamond Trader Association president Varun Raj Singh said, “We are tired of the blame game. Over 80 workshops of our industry have been sealed. I had a few questions for Mr. Tiwari but seems like I will go home disappointed.”
“My main concern is that Diwali is just around the corner, and most of our businesses are lying idle and debts increasing day by day,” he added.
No relief, say traders
Traders complained that they were unaware of which authority they could approach with their grievances. “Officials barge in with a document and seal our shops. When we ask which authority we can approach with an appeal, they remain silent,” said Kashmere Gate Automobile Association president Vishnu Bhargava.
Many claimed to have received no response after submitting their desealing affidavits.
“I have changed the nature of my business, which now falls under the guidelines, and have even submitted an affidavit regarding the same. I am yet to receive a response,” a businessman said.
At the event, Mr. Goyal questioned Mr. Tiwari’s delayed participation against the sealing drive when the issue has been affecting citizens for a while.
“Mr. Tiwari himself answered four of my questions on the issue on a TV channel and invited me for a debate with him after getting a letter from [Chief Minister] Arvind Kejriwal, who authorised me to debate on the issue of sealing,” Mr. Goyal said.
