Connaught Place Shops Shut Early as NEET Protest Spills Over: Traders Report Losses

New Delhi: Shops, offices and restaurants in the Connaught Place (CP) commercial district closed by 6.30 p.m. on Thursday after an advisory from the New Delhi Traders Association (NDTA). The move came amid continuing protests near Jantar Mantar over the NEET-UG paper leak and demands for the resignation of the Union Education Minister.

Hundreds of protesters have gathered at Jantar Mantar since July 20, with crowds exceeding the designated protest site. The NDTA circular said the decision followed a telephonic request from the Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson of the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC), who asked all commercial establishments in CP to close early.

NDTA president Atul Bhargava told The Hindu that the advisory was issued “keeping in mind the tense situation around Jantar Mantar and CP.” The association urged shop owners, offices and restaurants to cooperate to avoid any untoward incident.

The circular cited a “critical situation” due to the ongoing protests, without naming any specific group. Bhargava said traders have reported losses of 20–35 per cent over the past three days. “The number of protesters near CP is also increasing, so it is in everybody’s best interest to close shops despite the losses. No damage has been reported so far. We will assess the situation tomorrow and decide,” he added.

Political reactions followed the advisory. A post on social media by a group associated with the protests questioned the move: “Order to close all shops in Connaught Place by 6:30 p.m. this evening, what does the government want to do?” Former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal also raised concerns, asking, “Will the Central government once again act against students at Jantar Mantar today?”

The NDTA said a similar direction may be issued on Friday after reviewing the situation. There are around 1,400 shops and over 1,000 offices in the area.