Before the proposed rally, traders have appealed to Rahul Gandhi to consider the difficulties faced by the business community just ahead of Diwali. Traders had recently suffered losses due to protests organised by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) at various locations in Delhi. In view of the festive-season challenges faced by businesses, the CJP has decided not to hold any protests until Diwali. Attention is now focused on Rahul Gandhi's decision regarding the proposed rally.
On Saturday, the CTI urged Rahul Gandhi to postpone the India Bloc rally scheduled for November 1 at Ramlila Maidan. The traders' body warned that the demonstration could disrupt business worth Rs 10,000 crore during the peak Diwali shopping season.
In a letter to Rahul Gandhi, CTI president Brijesh Goyal said wholesale and retail markets near Ramlila Maidan could be affected at a time when traders expect a substantial increase in customer footfall ahead of Dhanteras and Diwali.
"This year, Dhanteras falls on Friday, November 6, Diwali on November 8 and Bhai Dooj on November 10. People begin shopping for Dhanteras and Diwali a week in advance. In Delhi alone, Dhanteras-related business across various sectors, including gold and silver, utensils, electronics, textiles, dry fruits, sweets, automobiles, vehicles, property and gifts, is estimated at around Rs 25,000 crore. This trade is the backbone of Delhi's economy," the letter stated.
The traders' association said markets generally witness increased activity during the week preceding major festivals, making the timing of the proposed rally a matter of concern. Goyal further said that rallies, marches and road closures around Connaught Place, India Gate and central Delhi had already caused estimated losses of around Rs 3,000 crore to Delhi's traders during October.
The CTI also highlighted the presence of around 20 wholesale and retail markets within a five-kilometre radius of Ramlila Maidan. These include Chandni Chowk, Sadar Bazaar, Chawri Bazaar, Bhagirath Palace, Khari Baoli, Kashmere Gate, Nai Sarak, Mori Gate, Kinari Bazaar, Dariba, Jama Masjid, Masala Bazaar, Bazar Bagh, Nai Sarak, Azad Market and Chawri Bazaar. These markets supply goods to destinations across the country.
While acknowledging the right to peaceful demonstrations and democratic expression, the CTI appealed to political parties to refrain from organising large rallies in major commercial areas until the festive period concludes. The organisation's appeal comes amid concerns that further disruptions could affect traders during one of the busiest shopping periods of the year.
The opposition rally is being organised to increase pressure on the government over allegations of vote theft. It is also expected to raise allegations of irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyan Kumar.
With the rally scheduled just days before Dhanteras and Diwali, the traders' appeal has placed the potential impact on Delhi's commercial activity at the centre of attention, as the business community awaits Rahul Gandhi's response.
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