'Shift rally beyond Nov 10': Delhi traders appeal to Rahul Gandhi, fear Rs 10,000 crore loss in Diwali business

Delhi’s trading community has urged Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi to postpone the INDIA bloc’s proposed November 1 rally at Ramlila Maidan, NDTV reported on Monday. The trading community said the rally could disrupt peak Diwali-season business in central Delhi.

The Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) has sought that the event be shifted to after November 10. 

In a letter to Rahul Gandhi, CTI chairman Brijesh Goyal requested that the rally be held after November 10. He argued that the timing clashes with the city’s busiest shopping period ahead of Dhanteras, Diwali and Bhai Dooj.

The traders’ body said the rally could disrupt business for three to four days because of expected traffic diversions, police barricading and restrictions around Ramlila Maidan. It estimated that trade worth up to ₹10,000 crore could be affected.

Earlier Protests Also Hit Business

Earlier this month, the CTI had claimed that demonstrations and traffic restrictions in Connaught Place, India Gate and other parts of central Delhi caused losses of nearly ₹3,000 crore.

The association estimated losses of around ₹2,000 crore during the October 10 protests and another ₹1,000 crore between October 13 and 16, citing road closures, metro disruptions and restrictions in commercial areas.

Markets likely to be hit

The CTI said nearly 20 major wholesale and retail markets lie within a five-kilometre radius of Ramlila Maidan. These include Chandni Chowk, Sadar Bazar, Khari Baoli and Bhagirath Palace, all of which see heavy footfall during the festive season.

Traders fear that road closures and curbs on public transport could discourage customers from visiting these markets at a time when retailers and wholesalers depend heavily on Diwali sales.

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The proposed rally falls on the Sunday before Diwali, which traders describe as a crucial sales window. Dhanteras is scheduled for November 6, Diwali for November 8 and Bhai Dooj for November 10.

The CTI said festive buying usually begins about a week before the festivals, with shoppers visiting markets for clothing, electronics, gifts, sweets, decorative items and other purchases.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge indicated that the INDIA bloc could reconsider the rally’s date after the traders raised concerns. He said the matter would be examined. 

Rahul Gandhi has also responded to the traders' appeal, saying their concerns had been heard. He, however, suggested that protest will happen as planned. "Tell Modi to sack accused no. 4, Gyanesh Kumar and the protests will stop in 30 seconds," he wrote on X. 

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