The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) has criticised the announcement by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal of going on a hunger strike from 31 March over the sealing issue and termed it a “political drama” and shedding of crocodile tears.

CAIT said the trading community of Delhi is not at all impressed by Kejriwal’s announcement since he is trying to score political brownie points on an issue which is directly connected with the livelihood of traders and their employees.

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CAIT secretary general Praveen Khandelwal said,”Instead of talking about hunger strike, Kejriwal should honestly work for the traders and accordingly should pass a Bill for moratorium on sealing in the ensuing session of Assembly and forward it to Central Government for approval.

Merely bringing a resolution is of no use and does not carry any weight.Once the Bill is passed by Delhi Assembly, we shall prevail upon the Central Government to approve the Bill without any delay.”

He said Kejriwal should depute a senior counsel in the Supreme Court and file an affidavit in the apex Court.

Meanwhile, preparations for a Delhi trade bandh on 13 March are on in full swing and traders are gearing up for an unprecedented show of strength.

All major wholesale and retail markets of Delhi including Connaught Place, Chandni Chowk, Karol Bagh, Sadar Bazar, Kashmiri Gate, Bhagirath Place, Lajpat Rai Market, Khari Baoli, Naya Bazar, Kamla Nagar, Chawri Bazar, Nai Sarak, Khan Market, South Extension, Greater Kailash, Lajpat Nagar, Amar Colony, Defence Colony, Green Park and all other Markets of South Delhi, Rajouri Garden, Tilak Nagar, Uttam Nagar, Kirti Nagar and other markets of West Delhi, Ashok Vihar, Model Town, Shalimar Bagh, Pitampura, Rohini and other markets of North Delhi, Paharganj, Krishna Nagar, Vikas Marg, Laxmi Nagar, Jagatpuri, Shahdara, Loni Road, Mayur Vihar and other markets of Trans-Yamuna area will remain closed.