The Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI), an organisation of Delhi traders, has written to Rahul Gandhi, again appealing to postpone the INDIA Bloc protest rally scheduled for 1 November 2026 at Ramlila Maidan. Earlier, the first appeal by CTI president Brijesh Goel had been rejected by the opposition parties. CTI has also sent a copy of the letter to Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and urged him to discuss the matter with allied parties.
What are the traders’ concerns?
Around 10 lakh people are expected to gather at the rally.
Between 15,000 and 20,000 buses will bring protesters, along with the private vehicles of leaders, which could cause massive traffic jams.
Ramlila Maidan is surrounded on all sides by some of Delhi’s largest wholesale and retail markets, and every route leading to the ground passes through these markets.
Business could come to a standstill in Chandni Chowk, Bhagirath Palace, Khari Baoli, Sadar Bazaar, Chawri Bazaar, Kashmere Gate, Nabi Karim and Karol Bagh.
During the Diwali shopping season, the worry and disappointment of traders in 20 markets have grown.
The loss estimate
According to CTI, the entire Central Delhi area was sealed on 10 October because of a protest by just 3,000-4,000 people at Jantar Mantar, causing traders a loss of ₹3,000 crore. The organisation claims that the 1 November rally will bring Old Delhi’s business to a complete halt and could cause a loss of about ₹10,000 crore.
CTI’s suggestion
If the rally cannot be postponed, it should be held at a venue such as Burari Ground or Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium instead of Ramlila Maidan, where markets would not be affected.
What did Rahul Gandhi say earlier?
Responding to the traders’ earlier appeal, Rahul Gandhi posted on X on Monday, making it clear that he wants to hold the rally on 1 November even during the Diwali shopping season. He wrote that the protest could be stopped in 30 seconds, provided Prime Minister Modi dismisses Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. He said he loves every trader in Delhi and listens to them. He alleged that the government shut down the Metro, sealed roads and created lockdown-like conditions in the capital, and that with “stolen votes”, no one’s shop, savings or children’s future is safe.
Alternative Titles:
“10 Lakh People, 20,000 Vehicles”: Traders’ Second Appeal to Rahul Gandhi Over Ramlila Maidan Rally
Fear of ₹10,000 Crore Loss in Diwali Season: CTI Demands Rally Be Postponed or Shifted
Rally or Livelihood? Delhi Traders Write to Rahul Gandhi and Kharge
