Delhi Markets Shut on February 5 for Assembly Polls: Full Details

The Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) announced on Thursday that all 700 markets in Delhi will remain closed on February 5 in observance of the assembly elections.

CTI Chairman Brijesh Goyal stated that retail stores may reopen later in the evening after employees have cast their votes. He urged traders to adhere to the directives of the Election Commission and the Labour Department.

Goyal emphasized that business owners must provide paid leave for their employees on election day and warned against any salary deductions. He also confirmed that industrial areas will observe a holiday.

In line with the Labour Department's instructions, the Delhi government has mandated that all businesses, including shops, hotels, restaurants, resorts, and industrial units, grant employees leave to vote without any salary cuts.

CIT Campaign Initiative: CTI is launching an extensive election campaign to encourage full voter participation from Delhi's business community. Traders are encouraged to share selfies with their families after voting through a dedicated WhatsApp number set up by CTI. The industry body also calls on all business organizations to adopt this initiative and gather voting pictures from their market traders.

CTI plans to send letters to over 700 business associations, including those representing small markets, industrial areas, banquet halls, and transport sectors. The top 10 markets with the highest voter turnout will be rewarded with special prizes.

With over 20 lakh traders, including 9 lakh shop owners and 2 lakh factories, CTI aims to harness the collective voting power of the business community. Vice Presidents Rajesh Khanna and Rahul Adalkha highlighted the significance of this 60-lakh strong voter base and urged political parties to address their concerns.

The Delhi Assembly elections will take place on February 5, with the results announced on February 8.