In light of the approaching festive season, when active trade turnover is expected during Diwali and Dhanteras, entrepreneurs have faced serious concerns. The reason for the worry was the Congress's announcement of a rally on November 1st at Ramlila Maidan in Delhi. Delhi trade associations, particularly the Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI), appealed to the Congress to postpone the planned event, warning that it could jeopardize business worth about 10,000 crore rupees.
Representatives of Delhi traders urged the Congress to move the rally, scheduled for November 1st at Ramlila Maidan, until after the holidays. They warned that holding the event in the capital could lead to traffic stoppages in several areas, which during the peak shopping season could result in significant financial losses for traders. CTI insists on the postponement, pointing to potential business damage of up to 10,000 crore rupees.
CTI sent a letter to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi demanding a change in the rally date. CTI Chairman, Brijnesh Goel, also forwarded a copy of the letter to Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, asking him to discuss the matter with alliance partners. Goel noted on Tuesday that traders operating near Ramlila Maidan are concerned about the possibility of barriers being erected and roads being blocked ahead of the planned gathering. They are worried that the Congress rally is taking place during one of the busiest periods for wholesale and retail business in Delhi.
The trade association questioned the possibility of customers accessing markets if streets were closed for the rally. Goel reported that according to Congress leaders, about 10 million people from across the country might attend the rally. Based on this, CTI predicts that between 15,000 and 20,000 vehicles heading to Ramlila Maidan might enter Delhi. Brijnesh Goel warned that such a concentration of vehicles could cause severe traffic jams within a 10-kilometer radius, negatively affecting the work of traders, shoppers, and goods transport.
CTI emphasized that Ramlila Maidan is surrounded by several of the most bustling commercial sectors, and the roads leading there pass through areas with large wholesale and retail turnover. The organization identified 21 markets and commercial zones that could be affected by the rally. These include Chandni Chowk, Bhagirath Palace, Hari Bawli, Sadar Bazar, Chawdi Bazar, Kashmiri Gate, Nabi Karim, Karol Bagh, Ajmeri Gate, Daryaganj, Nai Saron, Kinari Bazar, Dariba Kalan, Fatehpuri, Lauri Gate, Filmistan, Paharganj, Jama Masjid, Lal Qila-Lajpat Rai Market Area, and Naya Bazar. These markets are key trading centers for electrical goods, spices, dry fruits, auto parts, equipment, jewelry, books, furniture, machinery, and grains. In CTI's view, traders fear that traffic restrictions will affect not only customers but also the delivery of wholesale batches and the transportation of goods to other regions of the country.
The Chamber of Trade and Industry cited an incident that occurred on October 10th near Jantar Mantar to demonstrate the potential damage from Congress rallies. The CTI Chairman stated that only 3,000–4,000 people were present then, but it led to a massive restriction of movement in Central Delhi. The organization claims that as a result of this incident, Delhi traders incurred losses amounting to 3,000 crore rupees.
In addition to the urgent request to change the rally date, the trade association suggested that if postponement is not possible, the event should be held in a larger open area instead of Ramlila Maidan. Alternatives proposed included Burari Ground or Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.
