Delhi's business community has expanded its appeal to senior Congress leaders, seeking a change in the timing or location of the INDIA bloc's planned November 1 rally at Ramlila Maidan. After repeated requests to Rahul Gandhi, the Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) has approached Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi, asking her to intervene before the event.
The traders' concern centres on the expected disruption to commercial activity during the crucial Diwali shopping period. The rally is expected to attract a large crowd, with traders warning that traffic restrictions, barricading and vehicle movement could affect markets across central and Old Delhi.
Traders Seek Sonia Gandhi's Intervention
CTI chairman Brijesh Goyal said the organisation had already written several letters to Rahul Gandhi, asking him to reconsider the rally's schedule. After Gandhi indicated that the protest would proceed, the traders decided to approach Sonia Gandhi with what they described as a further appeal.
The association has proposed two alternatives: postpone the rally until November 10 or 11, or move it from Ramlila Maidan to Burari Ground. The traders say the alternative venue could accommodate a large number of vehicles without creating the same level of disruption around commercial areas.
The association maintains that it is not objecting to the right to organise a political demonstration. Its objection is primarily to holding a major gathering at a time when businesses are preparing for one of the busiest shopping periods of the year.
Why the November 1 Date Is a Concern
The timing is particularly important because Dhanteras falls on November 6 and Diwali on November 8. Traders say November 1 is a significant preparation day, when shops, wholesalers, transporters and customers are expected to be active.
According to the CTI's estimates, the rally could draw around 10 lakh people and involve between 15,000 and 20,000 buses, in addition to private vehicles. The association has warned that such a large movement of people and vehicles could affect access to nearby markets.
It has estimated that commercial activity worth approximately Rs 10,000 crore to Rs 12,000 crore could be at risk if business operations are severely disrupted. These figures represent the traders' assessment rather than independently confirmed losses.
Markets Around Ramlila Maidan Could Be Affected
Ramlila Maidan is located close to several major wholesale and retail trading centres. The markets identified by the association include Chandni Chowk, Sadar Bazar, Khari Baoli, Bhagirath Palace, Chawri Bazar, Kashmere Gate, Karol Bagh and Lajpat Rai Market.
Other commercial areas named in the appeal include Nai Sarak, Dariba Kalan, Fatehpuri, Daryaganj, Paharganj and Gaffar Market.
Traders fear that road closures and traffic diversions could make it harder for customers, delivery vehicles and transporters to reach these locations. They have also raised concerns about possible restrictions beginning before the rally itself, potentially affecting business on October 31.
Political Dispute Behind the Rally
The November 1 gathering is part of the INDIA bloc's campaign against alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Opposition parties have been demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over their concerns about the process.
Rahul Gandhi previously responded to traders' concerns through a social media post. He said the protest could end if Prime Minister Narendra Modi removed the Chief Election Commissioner, maintaining the opposition's position on the electoral-roll controversy.
The traders' latest appeal places the Congress leadership under pressure to address the potential economic impact while the opposition continues its political campaign.
With the rally date approaching, the association is seeking a decision that would allow the demonstration to take place without disrupting businesses during the festive season. The final arrangements will determine whether the event proceeds at Ramlila Maidan or whether the party considers the alternatives proposed by the traders.
