BJP’s Delhi bandh flops

NEW DELHI: The bandh called by Bharatiya Janata Party’s Delhi unit to protest the power and water situation made little difference to people as Monday is the weekly holiday for most major markets.
About 50 persons, including New Delhi Municipal Council vice-chairman Ram Bhaj, were detained by the police for forcing traders to down shutters. No violence was reported from any part of the city.
State BJP president Madan Lal Khurana had called the strike claiming the support of over 200 business and market associations.Although many traders agreed that the poor power and water situation was affecting business, they said the strike was untimely as most shops were closed anyway.
Major markets, including Karol Bagh, Laxmi Nagar, Lajpat Nagar, Kamla Nagar, Gandhi Nagar, Sarojini Nagar, Ashok Vihar, Dev Nagar, Vikas Marg market and Krishna Nagar are shut on Mondays.
Even those open, including Connaught Place and Darya Ganj, did normal business. However, Shanker Market remained closed.
The effect of the bandh was marked in BJP strongholds like Chandni Chowk, Lajpat Rai Market, Bhagirath Palace, Khari Baoli, Fatehpuri, Kashmiri Gate, Chawri Bazar, the Paharganj timber market and Kirti Nagar. In many places, it was more of a show of political strength. In CP, BJP supporters asked traders to down shutters in the morning. By afternoon, Congress leaders Subhash Chopra and Mukesh Sharma were seen persuading traders to open their shops, ensuring police protection.
For Khurana, who took over the city BJP chief recently, the bandh was a way of making his political presence felt. He lashed out at the government for what he termed an ‘‘unprecedented power and water crisis’’.