Delhi Traders Urge Postponement of Rahul Gandhi's November Rally
Traders warn that the upcoming rally could disrupt business worth Rs 10,000-12,000 crore during the Diwali shopping season.
Delhi's Chamber of Trade and Industry calls for postponement of a major rally scheduled for November 1.
The rally could lead to traffic congestion and economic losses across 20 markets in the capital.
Traders propose alternative dates or locations to minimize disruption during the peak festive season.
In a significant appeal, the Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) in Delhi has requested Sonia Gandhi to delay the Congress party's planned rally at Ramlila Maidan on November 1. The CTI warns that the event, led by Rahul Gandhi, could severely impact business activities worth Rs 10,000-12,000 crore across 20 key markets in the city, coinciding with the crucial Diwali shopping period.
The CTI's concerns stem from the timing of the rally, which is set just days before Dhanteras on November 6 and Diwali on November 8. They argue that the expected influx of around 10 lakh attendees and 15,000 to 20,000 vehicles could result in significant traffic disruptions, hindering the movement of goods and shoppers during one of the busiest shopping seasons of the year. CTI Chairman Brijesh Goyal emphasized that the appeal is not against the rally itself but rather a plea to safeguard the livelihoods of traders during this peak period.
The letter to Sonia Gandhi outlines several pressing issues, including the lack of adequate parking at Ramlila Maidan, which cannot accommodate the anticipated number of vehicles. The CTI highlighted that the rally's location is surrounded by vital wholesale and retail markets, which collectively generate substantial daily revenue. Goyal expressed concern that if traffic becomes gridlocked, it would prevent the timely transport of goods needed for the upcoming festivals, potentially leading to severe economic losses.
In light of these concerns, the CTI has proposed two alternatives: either postponing the rally until after November 10 or relocating it to Burari Maidan. This suggestion aims to prevent disruption during the festive season, which is critical for local businesses. The rally, organized by the opposition INDIA bloc, is intended to protest against alleged electoral malpractice, with Rahul Gandhi inviting citizens to join in a collective effort to uphold democracy.
As the rally date approaches, traders are anxiously awaiting a response from Congress leadership regarding their request. With the potential for significant traffic and economic disruption looming, the CTI's appeal underscores the delicate balance between political events and the livelihoods of local businesses during a vital shopping season.
