Markets in Delhi will remain closed on March 7 in support of a rally the same day called against retail in FDI by traders associations.

"In support of 'Save Retail Democracy Rally' on March 7 at Ramlila Ground being held by the Confederation of All India Traders and Khudra FDI Virodhi Rashtriya Morcha, a joint coalition of retail stakeholders, the commercial markets in Delhi will remain closed," a statement said.

CAIT general secretary Praveen Khandelwal said they were calling the trade bandh as traders are being met with "step motherly treatment" and the government is working "under the pressure of big corporate houses".

"Traders are being met with step motherly treatment and the government is working under the pressure of big corporate houses and the global powers and the acts and laws are being framed as per their convenience," CAIT Delhi state president Narendra Madan said.

The Delhi Iron & Hardware Merchants Association, New Delhi Traders Association, among others and most of the other markets of Delhi have called meeting of their respective associations to support the bandh.

Among the leaders participating in the rally include BJP president Rajnath Singh, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj, Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Arun Jaitley, Chairman of Public Accounts Committee of Parliament Murli Manohar Joshi, JD(U) chief and NDA convener Sharad Yadav and Communist leader A B Bardhan, the statement said.