New Delhi: Delhi traders have approached senior INDIA bloc leaders, including Akhilesh Yadav, Mamata Banerjee, Tejashwi Yadav and Uddhav Thackeray, seeking their intervention to postpone the Congress rally scheduled for November 1 at Ramlila Maidan. The traders fear that traffic congestion during the peak Diwali shopping season could severely affect commercial activity across central and Old Delhi.
The Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) has urged Opposition leaders to persuade the Congress to reschedule the rally until after November 10 or 11. The association estimates that around 20 major wholesale and retail markets could face disruption, putting daily business worth ₹10,000 crore to ₹12,000 crore at risk.
The traders’ concerns centre on the expected gathering of 10 lakh people and the arrival of 15,000 to 20,000 vehicles. With Dhanteras falling on November 6 and Diwali on November 8, November 1 is considered a crucial day for stocking goods and preparing for the festive rush.
Traffic Congestion Raises Concerns
The CTI has warned that Ramlila Maidan lacks sufficient parking facilities to accommodate the anticipated vehicles. Major roads, including Jawaharlal Nehru Marg, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg and Netaji Subhash Marg, could experience severe congestion, affecting access to Chandni Chowk, Sadar Bazar, Connaught Place, Khari Baoli, Bhagirath Palace, Chawri Bazar, Karol Bagh and Daryaganj.
These markets depend on the daily movement of thousands of vehicles transporting goods from industrial areas to Delhi, the National Capital Region and other parts of the country. The association fears that barricading and traffic restrictions could delay deliveries and discourage transporters from dispatching merchandise.
The disruption could begin on October 31 as rally participants arrive through the Singhu, Tikri, Ghazipur and Badarpur borders. The traders have also cited traffic congestion during a gathering at Jantar Mantar on October 10 as a warning of possible difficulties.
Traders Suggest Alternative Venue
The association has proposed two alternatives: postponing the rally until after Diwali or shifting it to Burari Ground, which it claims can accommodate around 15,000 vehicles.
After making three unsuccessful appeals to Rahul Gandhi, the traders have turned to his INDIA bloc allies, describing their intervention as their last hope of protecting festive business.
The November 1 rally is part of the Opposition’s campaign against alleged electoral irregularities and its demand for the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Delhi Police has granted conditional permission for the gathering, directing organisers to park vehicles only at designated locations.
