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Delhi traders urge Congress to reschedule the event, citing concerns over festive-season business (Img: Pinterest)
New Delhi: The Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) has appealed to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to reschedule his November 1 rally at Delhi’s Ramlila Maidan, citing concerns over possible business losses during the festive season.
The traders’ association has also written to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, seeking a date beyond November 10 or a change of venue to prevent disruptions in busy commercial areas.
The rally could draw approximately 10 lakh people and bring between 15,000 and 20,000 vehicles into the national capital ,according to the CTI. The organisation has raised concerns about parking shortages, road closures and traffic congestion, particularly in the narrow lanes of Old Delhi.
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The traders’ body estimates that disruptions could put business worth up to Rs 10,000 crore at risk. The figure represents a projected impact cited by the organisation, rather than a confirmed financial loss.
The CTI has identified 21 markets that could face difficulties, including Chandni Chowk, Khari Baoli, Bhagirath Palace, Sadar Bazaar, Karol Bagh and Chawri Bazaar
Traders fear that barricading, traffic diversions and restrictions on movement could prevent customers and commercial vehicles from reaching shops during the busy period leading up to Dhanteras and Diwali.
The organisation also referred to disruptions following an October 10 event, claiming that traders suffered losses of around Rs 3,000 crore.
To minimise the impact on businesses, the CTI has proposed Burari Ground or Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium as possible alternatives if postponement is not feasible.
The traders’ body has appealed to the Congress leadership to consider the concerns of shopkeepers, wholesalers and their employees during the festive season.
Gandhi expressed solidarity with Delhi’s traders but attributed the disruption to government restrictions, including road closures and metro-related curbs. He also linked the issue to his allegations of electoral irregularities and called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to remove Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
To every trader in Delhi: We love you and hear you.
The Govt shut the metro, sealed our roads and locked down our capital.
With a stolen vote nothing is safe - your shop, your savings, your children’s future.
Tell Modi to sack accused no. 4, Gyanesh Kumar and the protests will stop in 30 seconds.
दिल्ली के हर व्यापारी से: हम आपसे प्यार करते हैं, आपकी बात सुन रहे हैं।
मेट्रो सरकार ने बंद की, सड़कें सरकार ने सील की, राजधानी पर ताला सरकार ने लगाया।
जब वोट ही चोरी हो जाए, तो कुछ भी सुरक्षित नहीं - न आपकी दुकान, न आपकी बचत, न आपके बच्चों का भविष्य।
मोदी जी से कहिए - आरोपी नंबर 4, ज्ञानेश कुमार को हटाएं, 30 सेकंड में आंदोलन रुक जाएगा।
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) October 26, 2026
The debate highlights the challenge of balancing political demonstrations with the needs of businesses during one of Delhi’s busiest shopping periods.
