NEW DELHI: Delhi’s Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) has urged senior Congress leader Sonia Gandhi to postpone the INDIA bloc’s proposed rally at Ramlila Maidan on November 1, warning that the event could disrupt business worth ₹10,000 crore to ₹12,000 crore across 20 major markets in the national capital.
The opposition INDIA bloc is scheduled to organise the ‘Chalo Dilli’ march to demand the rollback of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
In its appeal, the traders’ body called for the rally to be rescheduled until after Diwali, citing concerns over traffic congestion, parking shortages and the movement of goods during the peak festive shopping period. The organisation warned that inadequate parking for an estimated 15,000 to 20,000 vehicles could trigger severe congestion across central Delhi.
The appeal comes ahead of Dhanteras on November 6 and Diwali on November 8, when markets typically experience a surge in shoppers and commercial activity. Traders consider November 1 particularly important for transporting festive goods and replenishing stocks ahead of the celebrations.
The CTI also cautioned that the disruption could begin on October 31 because of anticipated traffic restrictions around Delhi’s borders and access routes.
The organisation stressed that its appeal was not intended to oppose the opposition rally but to protect businesses during one of the most crucial periods of the year. It highlighted the importance of the 20 markets to Delhi’s commercial economy and expressed concern that transport delays could affect deliveries and customer access.
Preparations are underway at Ramlila Maidan for the INDIA bloc gathering, which is expected to draw a large number of participants.
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has also extended support to the proposed rally. Its founder, Abhijeet Dipke, reiterated the organisation’s demand for the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, arguing that it was necessary to restore public confidence in the Election Commission.
With the rally scheduled just days before the major festive dates, the appeal has brought the potential economic impact of large political gatherings during the Diwali trading season into focus.
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