Delhi traders urge Rahul Gandhi to postpone November 1 rally

The Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) has formally requested Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to postpone the INDIA bloc's upcoming rally at Delhi's Ramlila Maidan, originally scheduled for November 1. The trade body expressed concerns that the event coincides with the peak festive shopping season, including Dhanteras, Diwali, and Bhai Dooj.

CTI Chairman Brijesh Goyal warned that the rally could disrupt business worth up to ₹10,000 crore. The organization noted that approximately 20 major wholesale and retail markets, such as Chandni Chowk and Sadar Bazar, fall within a five-kilometer radius of the venue. Potential disruptions include traffic diversions, metro station closures, and barricading, which could hinder the movement of goods and customers.

Additionally, representatives from the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) have launched an online petition urging the government to designate specific protest sites on the outskirts of Delhi. This move aims to balance democratic rights with the need to protect the livelihoods of small traders and service providers from frequent commercial disruptions caused by central city demonstrations.