NEW DELHI: Delhi traders have renewed their appeal to the INDIA bloc to postpone its proposed November 1 rally at Ramlila Maidan, warning that the gathering could severely disrupt business during the peak Diwali shopping season and cause losses of up to ₹10,000 crore.
The Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI), which represents traders in the national capital, has urged Congress leaders to consider holding the rally after Diwali to prevent disruption to retail and wholesale markets during the crucial festive period.
The rally is planned to protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Organisers are expecting around 10 lakh participants and between 15,000 and 20,000 buses.
Traders fear the large gathering could trigger extensive traffic restrictions, police barricading and possible Metro station closures, affecting access to major commercial areas. Markets within a five kilometre radius of Ramlila Maidan, including Chandni Chowk, Sadar Bazar, Chawri Bazar and Kashmere Gate, are among those expected to face difficulties.
CTI chairman Brijesh Goyal highlighted the importance of the period leading up to Dhanteras on November 6 and Diwali on November 8, when consumer spending traditionally increases. He warned that restrictions on movement could discourage shoppers and affect sales at a time when businesses depend heavily on festive demand.
The traders have appealed to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge to consider rescheduling the rally. Their concerns follow Rahul Gandhi’s response to the issue, in which he indicated that the matter could be resolved in 30 seconds if he reached out to the traders.
The business community maintains that postponing the gathering until after Diwali would help protect traders’ livelihoods while allowing the political event to proceed without affecting festive commerce.
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