Delhi Traders Urge Sonia Gandhi to Defer Rahul’s Rally
Delhi’s Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) has appealed to senior Congress leader Sonia Gandhi to postpone the opposition INDIA bloc’s November 1 rally at Ramlila Maidan, warning that the gathering could disrupt commercial activity across major markets during the Diwali shopping season. The traders’ organisation estimates that businesses collectively recording daily turnover of Rs 10,000 crore to Rs 12,000 crore could face significant disruption.
Delhi Traders Warn of Rs 12,000 Crore Business Disruption
CTI chairman Brijesh Goyal said approximately 20 major wholesale and retail markets within five kilometres of Ramlila Maidan could be affected by traffic restrictions and congestion.
These include Chandni Chowk, Sadar Bazar, Connaught Place, Khari Baoli, Chawri Bazar, Karol Bagh and Daryaganj.
The organisation stressed that the Rs 12,000 crore figure represents estimated daily business turnover, not confirmed financial losses from the proposed rally.
Rahul Gandhi’s November 1 Rally Raises Traffic Concerns
The traders’ body estimates that the rally could attract approximately 10 lakh participants and 15,000 to 20,000 vehicles.
Goyal questioned whether adequate parking arrangements could accommodate such numbers, particularly buses arriving from outside Delhi.
The organisation also warned that traffic restrictions beginning October 31 could affect deliveries to markets preparing for Dhanteras on November 6 and Diwali on November 8.
CTI Urges Sonia Gandhi to Consider Alternative Venue
The CTI has requested that the rally be postponed until after November 10 or relocated to Burari Ground.
The organisation previously approached Rahul Gandhi with similar concerns but subsequently sought Sonia Gandhi’s intervention.
Goyal clarified that traders were not opposing the political demonstration itself but were concerned about its timing and potential impact on livelihoods.
The INDIA bloc has organised the rally to protest alleged electoral irregularities and demand greater accountability from election authorities.
As of Friday morning, October 30, there was no confirmed announcement that the rally would be postponed or relocated.
