With several traders closing their shops to observe trade day in the city, the usual buzz and traffic was missing on Saturday and roads leading to Island Grounds suffered traffic snarls.
A majority of the shops and business establishments in Parry’s, Purasawalkam, Perambur and Kodambakkam remained closed.
The traders, who convened to oppose the Centre for allowing FDI in the retail sector and the food security bill in the present form, also raised slogans criticising the Union government for the proposed goods and services tax Act.
The traders demanded that T. Nagar be declared a trade zone to benefit business activities and urged that tea shops and restaurants be allowed to operate till late night in the areas where public throng round-the-clock.
The Tamil Nadu Traders’ Peravai, headed by Mr T Vellaiyan, also said they would support the anti-corruption campaign led by Anna Hazare.
Team Anna members, social activist Kiran Bedi and eminent lawyer Prasanth Bushan spoke at the meet criticising the Centre and its policies on FDI and food bill.
A similar massive rally was organised by the Traders’ Peramaippu, led by Mr Vikrama Raja at Dindigul.
Several tea shops, hotels also downed shutters expressing solidarity in Kancheepuram and Tiruvallur districts.