The ongoing protest by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) at Connaught Place has raised concerns among local traders, shopkeepers and transport workers, who say the demonstrations have disrupted business and affected their daily earnings. With security personnel deployed around Central Park and restrictions on public access, several businesses are reportedly struggling to attract customers.
According to a report by The Indian Express, shopkeepers in Connaught Place expressed frustration over the lack of footfall, particularly during the October–December period, which is considered crucial for retail businesses due to the winter shopping season, weddings and festivals.
Kapil Nath (42), who runs a Woodland footwear store in Connaught Place, said customers are absent and it is hurting his business. He said he has been running the shop for four decades, and that October, November and December account for 70% of his business as winter, weddings and festivals bring shoppers to the market.
Nath said We have opened the shop, but who will bring their children and family? The protest and surrounding security arrangements had created uncertainty for customers and employees. He also expressed concern about the safety and movement of staff during demonstrations, explaining that shopkeepers might have to close their establishments if the situation escalated.
Another footwear retailer, Nirmal Kumar, said He Was unsure until this morning whether he should open his shop or not. According to the report, he had not received a single customer by the afternoon.
“Who will come here if they know they can be asked to leave anytime? There is fear even among us. The situation has been like this even since August. Internet restrictions have affected people’s ability to make payments. The people who are walking nearby are office employees and students who are out for a post-lunch walk.
The disruption has also affected the auto-rickshaw drivers whose livelihoods depend on the visitors. Umesh Sharma, a 52-year-old auto-rickshaw driver, said that He came all the way from Laxmi Nagar, but he had earned only Rs 100 so far after spending Rs. 500 on CNG this morning.
He said footfall has reduced, and nobody is here; protests used to take place, but it did not affect us. Such protests should be allowed only before elections.”
Large white banners were at the entrance. of Central Park saying Central Park is closed today and tomorrow. Any kind of entry is not allowed; if someone enters, legal action will be taken against them.
