New Delhi: Delhi’s trading community has appealed to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to postpone the INDIA bloc’s planned November 1 demonstration at Ramlila Maidan, warning that the event could disrupt commercial activity worth nearly Rs 10,000 crore during the city’s crucial festive shopping window. The Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) has suggested that the rally be held only after November 10, once Dhanteras, Diwali and Bhai Dooj are over.
In a communication to Gandhi, who is the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, CTI chairman Brijesh Goyal said a large gathering near Ramlila Maidan could create logistical problems for wholesale and retail businesses at a time when shopkeepers anticipate their highest customer turnout of the year.
Peak Season Concerns
According to the traders’ body, Delhi generates business of approximately Rs 25,000 crore around Dhanteras across categories including bullion and jewellery, electronic goods, apparel, kitchenware, dry fruits, sweets, automobiles, real estate and gift articles. Dhanteras is scheduled for November 6, while Diwali and Bhai Dooj will be observed on November 8 and November 10 respectively.
The CTI noted that commercial activity usually begins building up nearly a week before the festivals, as reported by The New Indian Express. It argued that placing a major political mobilisation in the heart of Delhi during this period could interfere with supply chains,
customer movement and day-to-day market operations.
Earlier Losses Cited
The organisation further claimed that traders in the capital had already incurred losses estimated at Rs 3,000 crore in October owing to demonstrations, marches and road closures in Connaught Place, India Gate and surrounding central Delhi areas. It said such restrictions impeded the transportation of merchandise to wholesale markets and reduced the number of customers visiting retail shops.
The CTI identified about 20 prominent wholesale and retail markets located within a five-kilometre radius of Ramlila Maidan.
The body said these markets cater to buyers and businesses from across the country, and that traffic diversions, barricading or restrictions on public transport during the rally could affect both local trade and outstation purchases. It also voiced concern that travellers arriving through Old Delhi and New Delhi railway stations might avoid visiting the capital if access routes become congested.
While maintaining that peaceful protest and democratic expression are legitimate rights, the CTI urged political parties to refrain from organising large-scale events in major commercial localities until the festive trading season ends.
The traders’ body has asked the leader of the Congress party, a key constituent of the opposition INDIA bloc, to hold the rally after November 10. It believes this will help protect business during the busy festive shopping period.
The rally is part of the opposition’s protest over its “vote chori” allegations. The INDIA bloc also wants Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar to resign over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.