NEW DELHI: A Delhi traders’ association has offered Rahul Gandhi 20 minutes to convince representatives of 20 major markets that the Congress led INDIA bloc’s November 1 rally at Ramlila Maidan will benefit their businesses. The association has also demanded that the gathering be postponed until after Diwali if it is likely to cause commercial losses.
The Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI), led by chairman Brijesh Goyal, has written to Gandhi seeking a meeting with traders operating within a five kilometre radius of the rally venue. The association said it would withdraw its opposition and welcome the event if the Congress leader could explain how the expected gathering of around 10 lakh people would attract customers and increase sales.
However, if the discussion establishes that the rally could disrupt business during the festive shopping season, the traders want Gandhi to defer it in the public interest.
The association stressed that it wanted dialogue rather than confrontation, seeking an opportunity to present the concerns of businesses that depend on customer movement during Diwali.
The CTI identified 20 markets that could be affected by the rally, including Chandni Chowk, Bhagirath Palace, Khari Baoli, Sadar Bazar, Chawri Bazar, Kashmere Gate, Karol Bagh, Ajmeri Gate, Daryaganj and Nai Sarak.
Other markets named in the appeal include Kinari Bazar, Dariba Kalan, Fatehpuri, Naya Bazar, Filmistan, Paharganj, Gaffar Market, Jama Masjid Meena Bazar and Lajpat Rai Market.
These commercial hubs deal in a wide range of goods, including spices, dry fruits, foodgrains, jewellery, electronics, garments, books, automobile parts and furniture. Traders fear that restrictions, congestion and reduced customer movement could affect sales during one of the busiest shopping periods of the year.
The proposal follows Gandhi’s statement that the November 1 rally would proceed despite concerns raised by traders. He had acknowledged their worries and argued that the protest could end quickly if Prime Minister Narendra Modi removed Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
The traders’ association has now sought a direct discussion, asking Gandhi to demonstrate how the rally would serve the interests of local businesses.
Using Gandhi’s “mohabbat ki dukaan” slogan, the CTI appealed to him not to allow the festive marketplace to suffer during Diwali.
The proposed meeting could provide an opportunity for the Congress leadership and traders to address concerns over the rally’s timing, business disruption and the impact on Delhi’s commercial districts.
