Rahul Gandhi addresses Delhi traders amid November 1 rally dispute

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has addressed the Delhi business community following appeals from the Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) to postpone the INDIA bloc’s planned November 1 rally at Ramlila Maidan. The CTI and other trade associations have requested the event be rescheduled until after November 10 to avoid disrupting commercial activity during the crucial Diwali festive shopping season, citing potential business losses of approximately ₹10,000 crore.

In response, Gandhi expressed support for the traders and criticized the government for imposing road restrictions and metro closures. He asserted that protests regarding alleged electoral irregularities would cease “in 30 seconds” if Prime Minister Narendra Modi removes Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Gandhi has linked the current political tensions to broader allegations of “vote theft” and concerns over the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has also renewed demands for the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner and a halt to the SIR process. While the opposition continues to push for accountability regarding voter-record integrity, the CTI maintains that the scale of the proposed gathering could severely impact wholesale and retail markets during the peak period leading up to Dhanteras and Diwali.