Delhi Traders Urge Rahul Gandhi to Reschedule November 1 INDIA Bloc Rally, Cite Diwali Business Concerns

The Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) has renewed its appeal to Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi to postpone the INDIA bloc’s proposed protest rally at Delhi’s Ramlila Maidan on November 1 until after Diwali. The traders’ body says the event, which is expected to draw around 10 lakh people, could disrupt business during one of the busiest shopping periods of the year. CTI chairman Brijesh Goyal has sent a detailed letter to Gandhi reiterating the request. A copy has also been forwarded to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, with the organisation urging him to raise the issue with other parties in the Opposition alliance.

The fresh appeal follows Gandhi’s rejection of the traders’ earlier request. In a social media post on Monday, he indicated that the rally would go ahead as scheduled, arguing that the protest could end within 30 seconds if Prime Minister Narendra Modi removed Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar from office. Gandhi also expressed solidarity with Delhi’s traders, alleging that government actions, including restrictions on metro services and road access, had affected the city. He linked the protest to concerns over electoral integrity.

The decision to proceed with the rally has reportedly disappointed traders operating in around 20 major markets near Ramlila Maidan. They fear that traffic restrictions, barricades and security arrangements could make it difficult for customers and commercial vehicles to reach their destinations during the festive shopping season. The CTI has sought clarity on whether restrictions could begin as early as October 31, potentially affecting business on both October 31 and November 1. Traders are particularly concerned about whether shops will be able to operate normally and whether shoppers will have convenient access to market areas.

The organisation has also raised concerns about the expected movement of a large number of vehicles into the capital. According to its estimates, between 15,000 and 20,000 buses could arrive carrying rally participants, in addition to private vehicles belonging to political leaders. Such a movement, the body warns, could cause significant congestion around Ramlila Maidan. The venue is surrounded by several of Delhi’s prominent wholesale and retail trading centres, and many roads leading to the ground pass through commercial districts. Markets that could be affected include Chandni Chowk, Bhagirath Palace, Khari Baoli, Sadar Bazar, Chawri Bazar, Kashmere Gate, Nabi Karim and Karol Bagh.

The CTI has cited an earlier protest at Jantar Mantar on October 10, which it says involved approximately 3,000 to 4,000 people and resulted in restrictions across parts of central Delhi. According to the traders’ body, the disruption caused losses estimated at ₹3,000 crore. It fears that a rally involving 10 lakh participants could bring commercial activity across parts of Old Delhi to a near standstill, with potential losses reaching ₹10,000 crore. These figures represent the traders’ estimates and have not been independently established in the information provided.

The CTI has proposed moving the rally to another venue, suggesting Burari Grounds or Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. The organisation argues that relocating the event could allow the Opposition alliance to continue its political campaign while reducing disruption to nearby markets. The November 1 gathering forms part of the INDIA bloc’s broader campaign seeking the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. With Diwali-related shopping activity and the rally scheduled around the same period, traders are pressing political leaders to consider the potential economic consequences before finalising arrangements.

The central issue for the business community is whether the rally can proceed without severely affecting access to markets during a crucial period for retailers and wholesalers. The CTI has called for a decision that takes both the Opposition’s protest plans and the concerns of Delhi’s trading community into account.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from NDTV.