In yet another expose of the BJP government’s anti-poor and anti-trader agenda, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Wednesday thwarted an illegal sealing attempt by Delhi government officials in Tilak Nagar. Without serving any prior notice, officials arrived with flimsy excuses to seal a local shop—until AAP MLA Jarnail Singh intervened. On questioning, it was revealed that no legal procedure had been followed.
Outraged by the blatant abuse of power, local traders rallied in protest, chanting slogans and confronting the officials. The pressure forced the authorities to back off, leaving without sealing the shop. This incident adds to the growing outrage against the BJP’s targeting of jhuggi dwellers and small traders under the garb of administrative action.
On this, senior AAP leader and MLA Jarnail Singh stated. “First, the BJP government snatched homes from the urban poor by demolishing jhuggis. Now, it is going after traders by sealing their shops and attacking their livelihoods,” he said. “The government is harassing traders in the name of extortion. CM Rekha Gupta must explain why only select shops are being targeted. The Aam Aadmi Party stands firmly with Delhi’s traders and will not allow unjustified sealing anywhere in the city.”
Strongly opposing the sealing of shops, Jarnail Singh said, “Ever since the BJP came to power, extortion has become the operating principle across every department. In Tilak Nagar, a sweet shop was sealed without any show cause notice or prior warning, which is completely illegal. Was there even a field inspection conducted before this action? If so, when was it done and by whom?”
The AAP MLA further stated, “Minor encroachments exist across Delhi. Most homes and shops occupy a few feet of extra space. If building a two- or four-foot staircase or platform is justification for sealing, then nearly all of Delhi would have to be sealed. Why this pick-and-choose approach? Why was only one shop singled out? BJP’s Chief Minister and Revenue Minister must answer on what basis this selective action is being taken.”
Backing the traders, Jarnail Singh said, “Traders pay taxes, they work hard to earn a living—and this government is punishing them for it. No such sealing has taken place in the last 12 years.” He warned that if any shop in Tilak Nagar or elsewhere in Delhi is sealed without valid justification, the Aam Aadmi Party will launch mass protests on the streets.
