Even as thousands of followers of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar thronged Chaityabhoomi yesterday to pay tribute to their leader, it was slow going for those who had set up stalls having badges and literature pertaining to the iconic Dalit leader, hoping to do brisk business
Even as thousands of followers of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar thronged Chaityabhoomi yesterday to pay tribute to their leader, it was slow going for those who had set up stalls having badges and literature pertaining to the iconic Dalit leader, hoping to do brisk business.
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And the possible culprit behind only a few takers for the paraphernalia, according to the sellers, which otherwise sells like hot cakes, is the demonetisation that happened last month.
Vendors say
A vendor selling badges, flags and ribbons near Park said, “I have been in this business for years. I set up stall every year on December 6. But, for the first time this year, business has been very poor.”
Echoing him, another vendor gave his take on the sluggish sale. “One can’t rule out the possibility that the note ban is to blame, as citizens do not have enough change to spare. Hoteliers, vendors and other businessmen too aren’t doing too well.”
Every year, Ambedkar followers gather at Chaityabhoomi to pay their respects to the late leader. Ambedkar, who fought against Dalit discrimination in the society, passed away on December 6, 1956. Since then, this day is observed as Mahaparinirvan Din in his memory.