AAP MLA accuses govt of sealing shops in Tilak Nagar without notice

Tilak Nagar MLA Jarnail Singh of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Wednesday criticised the ruling BJP government for allegedly targeting shopkeepers in his constituency through sealing drives.

Addressing a press conference, Singh said, “First, they snatched homes from jhuggi dwellers. Now, they’re coming for the livelihoods of traders.”

Referring to an incident on Tuesday, he claimed officers from the Revenue Department arrived at Tilak Nagar’s main market to seal shops without issuing any prior notice. The alleged reason was an encroachment reportedly spotted outside one of the shops during a recent inspection.

“It was merely a small counter placed outside — a minor issue. Let Delhi’s traders be warned: if even a single chair is found outside their shops, CM Rekha Gupta’s government can seal it without any notice. Yesterday’s incident in Tilak Nagar was halted only due to the collective protest of traders and our intervention, but the fear among shopkeepers remains. I’ve never seen such an atmosphere before. The same trader community that traditionally supported the BJP now feels betrayed and exploited,” he added.

Calling the move illegal and dangerous for business owners, the AAP MLA said, “If shops can be sealed without notice, Delhi’s entire market ecosystem will collapse. The Revenue Department operates under CM Rekha Gupta. She must clarify whether this action was carried out with her knowledge or not? Is she aware that her officers are exploiting traders? After 27 years, the BJP has returned to power only to prey upon the people of Delhi like starving wolves.”