Delhi traders have urged the Congress and other INDIA bloc parties to postpone their November 1 rally at Ramlila Maidan until after Diwali, warning that traffic restrictions, road closures and security arrangements could disrupt business during the crucial festive shopping season.
The Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) has appealed to Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, to reschedule the rally. Traders also staged a protest at Kashmere Gate on Monday, calling for the event to be held after the festival.
Traders Fear Heavy Business Losses
CTI chairman Brijesh Goyal said the rally could affect more than 20 major wholesale and retail markets located within a five-kilometre radius of Ramlila Maidan. These include Chandni Chowk, Sadar Bazar, Khari Baoli, Chawri Bazar, Daryaganj and Kashmere Gate.
Traders fear that barricading, traffic diversions and possible Metro restrictions could prevent customers from reaching markets during the peak shopping period. They have also raised concerns about buyers and traders travelling to Delhi through the nearby Old Delhi and New Delhi railway stations.
According to the CTI, Delhi's festive-season trade is expected to generate around ₹25,000 crore in business around Dhanteras and Diwali. The association has warned that further disruptions could cause substantial financial losses. These estimates represent the traders' claims and projections.
Rally Planned Over Electoral Roll Revision
The INDIA bloc's rally is scheduled for November 1 at Ramlila Maidan to protest alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The opposition alliance is seeking accountability from Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over the process.
Congress leaders have urged people, including traders, farmers, workers and young voters, to participate in the demonstration.
Responding to the traders' concerns, Rahul Gandhi said the protests would stop if Prime Minister Narendra Modi removed the Chief Election Commissioner, reiterating the opposition's allegations over the electoral roll revision.
Traders Seek Balance Between Protest and Business
Traders have said they respect the right to peaceful protest but want political parties to consider the economic impact of large gatherings during the festive season. They argue that the final Sunday before Diwali is particularly important for retailers and wholesale markets.
The associations have appealed to the Congress leadership and other INDIA bloc parties to shift the rally to a date after Diwali, saying this would allow political demonstrations to continue without disrupting festive shopping and commercial activity.
With the rally scheduled for November 1, the demand for postponement has brought the concerns of traders and the opposition's protest plans into focus ahead of Diwali.