Shops, offices and restaurants in the national capital's bustling Connaught Place were ordered to shut by 6.30 pm on Thursday after the New Delhi Traders Association (NDTA) issued an urgent advisory citing a "critical situation" in and around the commercial hub, amid protests by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET controversy.
The advisory, issued following telephonic instructions from the chairperson and vice-chairperson of the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC), directed all commercial establishments in Connaught Place to suspend operations for the remainder of the day as a precautionary measure.
NDMC advice prompts closure
"As advised by the Chairman NDMC and Vice Chairman NDMC, telephonically, looking at the critical situation around CP, it is has been strictly advised that all shops and establishments, including offices and restaurants, in Connaught Place, New Delhi, shall close for the day by 6.30 pm, today that is 23.07.2026," the advisory, signed by NDTA President Atul Bhargava, said.
The traders' body asked all shop owners, office establishments, restaurants and other occupiers in the area to cooperate and strictly adhere to the directions.
"All establishment owners/occupiers are requested to cooperate and ensure strict compliance with the above directions to avoid any unpleasant situation and save yourself from any loss of property and injury," the advisory said.
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Kejriwal questions security deployment
The closure comes amid heightened security arrangements in central Delhi as the CJP continued its agitation, with protesters gathering to press for Pradhan's resignation.
Sharing the advisory on X, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal alleged heavy security deployment in the area and questioned Centre's handling of the protests.
