The Sarojini Nagar market in New Delhi was closed on Thursday and Friday as traders protested against the New Delhi Municipal Council's (NDMC) plan to allow 515 vendors to operate in front of existing shops. Trader associations expressed concerns that this move would exacerbate congestion in one of Delhi's busiest retail hubs, further reducing parking space and shop area. Ashok Randhawa, president of the Sarojini Nagar Mini Market Traders’ Association, criticized the NDMC for not consulting key stakeholders before implementing the plan. He noted that many of the vendors included in the survey were outsiders who had not previously operated in the market. Ashok Kalra, president of the Sarojini Market Shopkeepers’ Association, echoed these sentiments, stating that over 400 individuals who had never been pavement vendors were granted Certificates of Vending (COVs). The protest was supported by approximately 300 shop owners, and traders are awaiting a meeting with local MLA Parvesh Verma and NDMC officials to address their grievances. The market is scheduled to reopen over the weekend, with a decision on whether to continue the protest expected after the meeting on Monday.