Shops, offices and restaurants in Connaught Place will close from 6.30 pm on Thursday following an advisory issued by the New Delhi Traders Association (NDTA), which noted the prevailing situation in and around the area amid the Kokruche Janata Party (CJP)-led protest in the national capital.
The advice sparked sharp reactions from the CJP and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), both of which questioned the government’s decision to issue the lockdown order and heavy security deployment around the protest site.
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CJP and AAP react
In response to the consultation, the Cockroach Janata Party’s official X handle posted:
“All shops in Connaught Place have been ordered to close by 6:30pm this evening, what does the government want to do??”
Former Delhi Chief Minister and AAP president Arvind Kejriwal also shared tips on X, raising concerns about security arrangements in the area.
“All shops in CP ordered closed by 6:30pm this evening and tight security. Heaps of ambulances. Will the central government attack its students again at Jantar Mantar today?” books.
He added: “Why were the stores in Connaught Place asked to close early?”
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What is counseling?
The advisory, issued by the NDTA on Thursday, said the decision was taken following a telephonic advisory from the Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC), who instructed all commercial establishments in Connaught Place to close during the day by 6.30 pm as a precautionary measure.
The Merchants Authority asked all owners of shops, office institutions and restaurants in the area to cooperate and fully adhere to the directives issued by the competent authorities.
According to the warning, the move was taken in light of the “critical situation” around Connaught Place. It also urged facility owners and occupants to follow the guidelines to avoid any untoward accident and prevent property loss or injury.
“As advised by the Chairman NDMC and Vice-Chairman NDMC, over phone, in view of the critical situation around CP, it is strictly advised that all shops and establishments, including offices and restaurants, at Connaught Place, New Delhi, shall close for the day by 6.30 pm, today, 23.07.2026,” the circular said.
“All owners/occupiers of the facility are kindly requested to cooperate and ensure strict adherence to the above directions to avoid any unpleasant situation and save yourself from any property loss or injury,” she added.
NDTA president Atul Bhargava said the advisory was issued only as a precautionary measure after the association received directions from NDMC.
“The number of people coming to this area is much higher today. We have received calls from NDMC saying that it is advisable to close shops by 6.30 pm. Fortunately, no property damage has been reported so far till July 20. We have around 1,400 shops and over 1,000 big and small offices in the area, and this is a precautionary measure,” Bhargava said.
Bhargava added that this warning was aimed at minimizing any potential risks to people and businesses as large crowds and security personnel gathered in and around Connaught Place ahead of the CJP protest.
