Delhi traders have renewed their appeal to the Congress leadership to reschedule the INDIA bloc’s proposed November 1 rally at Ramlila Maidan, warning that the gathering could severely disrupt business during the crucial Diwali shopping season. The Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI), which represents traders and entrepreneurs in Delhi, has written to Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, urging him to hold the rally after the festival. The traders’ body has estimated that the event, expected to draw around 10 lakh people, could lead to business losses of up to ₹10,000 crore if markets surrounding the venue are affected by traffic restrictions and crowd management measures.
Rahul Gandhi’s rally faces opposition from Delhi traders
CTI chairman Brijesh Goyal has sent a detailed letter to Rahul Gandhi reiterating the organisation’s demand that the rally be postponed until after Diwali. The traders’ body has also sent a copy to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, asking him to discuss the concerns with INDIA bloc allies.
The latest appeal follows Gandhi’s rejection of the traders’ earlier request. In a post on X on Monday, the Congress leader said the protest could be stopped in “30 seconds” if Prime Minister Narendra Modi removed Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar from office.
Gandhi also accused the government of disrupting normal life in Delhi through metro restrictions, road closures and security measures. He argued that concerns over alleged electoral irregularities were linked to the protection of citizens’ democratic rights and livelihoods.
However, traders say the timing of Rahul Gandhi’s rally could create serious difficulties for businesses already preparing for the festive rush. They have questioned whether barricades could be installed from October 31, whether roads would be closed and whether customers would be able to reach shops on October 31 and November 1.
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20,000 buses and traffic restrictions raise concerns
The CTI has expressed concern over the scale of the proposed gathering and the number of vehicles expected to enter the Capital. According to estimates cited by the traders’ body, between 15,000 and 20,000 buses could bring protesters to Delhi, apart from private vehicles used by political leaders and other attendees.
Ramlila Maidan is surrounded by major wholesale and retail markets, with several routes leading to the venue passing through busy commercial areas. Traders fear that traffic diversions, security arrangements and crowd movement could affect access to markets such as Chandni Chowk, Bhagirath Palace, Khari Baoli, Sadar Bazar, Chawri Bazar, Kashmere Gate, Nabi Karim and Karol Bagh.
The CTI has referred to an earlier protest at Jantar Mantar on October 10, which it said involved around 3,000 to 4,000 people and led to restrictions across parts of Central Delhi. The organisation has claimed that the disruption resulted in losses of approximately ₹3,000 crore for traders.
Using that episode as a reference, the traders’ body has warned that much larger Rahul Gandhi’s rally could bring commercial activity in parts of Old Delhi to a near standstill. Its projected loss of ₹10,000 crore is an estimate made by the CTI, not an independently verified assessment.
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Traders propose 2 alternative venues for the rally
While seeking a postponement, the CTI has also proposed alternative arrangements if the INDIA bloc decides to proceed with the gathering on November 1. The organisation has suggested shifting the event from Ramlila Maidan to Burari Grounds or Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, arguing that a venue away from major commercial hubs could reduce the impact on businesses.
The dispute highlights the challenge of balancing political demonstrations with the economic activity of a densely populated city. With traders preparing for one of the busiest shopping periods of the year, any restrictions on access to wholesale markets could affect retailers, suppliers and customers.
Rahul Gandhi’s rally is part of the Opposition alliance’s wider campaign demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over allegations concerning electoral processes. The traders’ latest letter places renewed pressure on the Congress leadership to consider the economic consequences of the event.
Whether the rally will be postponed or shifted to another venue remains unresolved in the information provided. For Delhi’s traders, the immediate concern is whether the proposed gathering will leave major commercial districts accessible during the festive shopping season.