Delhi Fire Services personnel wash the India Gate ahead of the Republic Day celebrations, in New Delhi, on Thursday.
Credit: PTI Photo
New Delhi: The Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) on Thursday said that all 700 markets in Delhi will remain closed on February 5 for polling day.
CTI Chairman Brijesh Goyal stated that traders must ensure compliance with the Election Commission and Labour Department's orders.
In some cases, retail sector shopkeepers can open their stores in the evening after casting their votes, he said.
However, if any shop or factory is opened, employees must be granted a paid leave, and no salary deductions should be made, Goyal said.
The 70-member Delhi Assembly will go to polls on February 5, and the results will be out on February 8.
In a statement, the CTI instructed all market associations and business establishments to keep their shops shut on February 5. Industrial areas will also observe a holiday.
CTI General Secretary Gurmeet Arora emphasised that the Delhi government has already issued directives requiring all business establishments, including shops, hotels, restaurants, resorts, and industrial units, to grant employees leave on polling day without any salary deductions.
The Labour Department has also issued an order under Section 135B of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, ensuring that every employee engaged in any profession, trade, or industrial undertaking is entitled to a holiday to cast their vote, it stated.
Additionally, emergency service employees have been advised to report to work only after voting, the statement added.
Delhi Assembly Election 2025 | The first of two state assembly polls this year sees a three-way contest between AAP, Congress, and BJP in the nation's capital. AAP decided to contest the polls alone, causing rumours of a rift in I.N.D.I.A. BJP, meanwhile, is hoping the liquor excise policy scam and pollution in Delhi will give the saffron party an edge over AAP. Kejriwal, on the other hand, has different plans with his demand for reservations for Delhi Jats. Congress will also be looking to make its presence felt and has not held back from attacking its own alliance partner. Check live updates and track the latest coverage, live news, in-depth opinions, and analyses only on Deccan Herald.
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