Delhi Traders Urge INDIA Bloc Allies to Postpone November 1 Rally
Traders in Delhi are appealing to Rahul Gandhi's allies to reschedule a major rally that threatens to disrupt Diwali shopping.
Delhi's traders are concerned about a rally scheduled for November 1, coinciding with the peak Diwali shopping season.
The Chamber of Trade and Industry has requested a postponement to protect daily business worth Rs 10,000-12,000 crore.
Traffic congestion is expected to severely impact key markets in central and Old Delhi, affecting logistics and goods delivery.
In a significant move, traders from Delhi are reaching out to allies of Rahul Gandhi in the INDIA bloc, including prominent leaders like Akhilesh Yadav and Mamata Banerjee, to intervene regarding a rally set for November 1. This rally, organized by the opposition, is feared to coincide with the crucial Diwali shopping period, which is vital for local businesses.
The Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) has formally communicated with these opposition leaders, urging them to convince the Congress party to reschedule the rally at Ramlila Maidan to a date after November 10-11. The traders emphasize that the event could jeopardize daily commerce, which is estimated to be between Rs 10,000-12,000 crore across approximately 20 major wholesale and retail markets in central and Old Delhi.
CTI chairman Brijesh Goyal expressed that while the association does not oppose the rally, they are deeply concerned about the anticipated attendance of around 10 lakh people and the influx of 15,000-20,000 vehicles, which could paralyze commercial activities. He stated, "We are pleading with folded hands to protect our livelihoods during the peak Diwali season."
With Dhanteras on November 6 and Diwali on November 8, traders assert that November 1 is critical for stocking goods and preparing for the festive rush. The lack of adequate parking at Ramlila Maidan is a major concern, as the venue reportedly cannot accommodate even 200 large buses, potentially leading to severe traffic congestion on major roads like Jawaharlal Nehru Marg and Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg.
The CTI warns that the gathering could create traffic conditions akin to a lockdown, severely affecting markets such as Chandni Chowk and Sadar Bazar. Disruptions may begin as early as October 31, as vehicles are expected to arrive from various borders. The association has already approached Rahul Gandhi multiple times without success and is now appealing to the INDIA bloc leaders, stating, "Our last hope is with you." The rally is part of a broader opposition campaign addressing alleged electoral irregularities and demanding the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
