Delhi Traders Urge Congress to Postpone November 1 Rally Until After Diwali

The rally is scheduled to take place at Ramlila Maidan. The trade body has requested a 10-day postponement, arguing that large-scale gatherings and associated traffic restrictions could affect commercial activity across the capital.

CTI chairman Brijesh Goyal has written to Kharge, asking him to consider the interests of Delhi’s traders, employees and their families before taking a final decision on the rally.

Kharge had acknowledged receiving representations from trade organisations seeking a change in the rally’s schedule. He said the next course of action would be decided after consultations with the Congress leadership and its allies in the Opposition INDIA bloc.

Welcoming his response, Goyal described it as a “ray of hope” for the trading community and urged the Congress leadership to take the concerns of businesses into account.

Traders Cite Importance of Diwali Shopping Season

In its communication to Kharge, the CTI highlighted the importance of the period leading up to Diwali for wholesale and retail businesses across Delhi.

The organisation pointed out that Dhanteras falls on November 6 this year, followed by Diwali on November 8 and Bhai Dooj on November 10 and 11. These occasions typically bring increased commercial activity to markets across the capital.

According to the CTI, business transactions worth approximately ₹25,000 crore take place across various sectors in Delhi on Dhanteras alone.

The trade body argued that postponing the rally by 10 days would allow businesses to operate during the peak festive period without the potential disruption associated with a large public gathering.

It also stressed that the earnings generated during the festive season support not only traders but also shop employees, workers and their families.

Twenty Major Markets Located Near Ramlila Maidan

The CTI said around 20 major wholesale and retail markets are located within approximately five kilometres of Ramlila Maidan, the proposed venue for the rally.

These include Chandni Chowk, Sadar Bazar, Kashmiri Gate, Chawri Bazar, Daryaganj, Kamala Market, Bhagirath Palace, Khari Baoli, Naya Bazar, Azad Market, Dariba Jewellery Market, Kinari Bazar, Nabi Karim, Karol Bagh, Jhandewalan and Jama Masjid.

According to the organisation, nearly three lakh traders operate in these markets, while the livelihoods of approximately 15 lakh people, including employees and family members, are linked to their businesses.

The CTI warned that a rally expected to draw around 10 lakh people could affect movement well beyond the immediate vicinity of Ramlila Maidan. It expressed concern that traffic restrictions, congestion and difficulties accessing commercial areas could discourage customers and disrupt business operations across several parts of Delhi.

CTI Raises Concerns Over Previous Protest Disruptions

The trade body also referred to the October 10 protest at Jantar Mantar, claiming that restrictions on roads and metro services had disrupted movement and affected markets in several areas.

According to the CTI, the disruption created conditions resembling a lockdown in parts of the capital and caused financial losses for businesses.

The organisation estimated that protests and related disruptions over the preceding 25 days had contributed to business losses of around ₹3,000 crore in October alone. It warned that cumulative losses could exceed ₹10,000 crore if similar disruptions continued through Diwali.

These figures are estimates cited by the trade body and were not independently verified in the statement.

Trade Body Seeks Postponement, Not Cancellation

The CTI reiterated that it was not seeking the cancellation of the Congress rally but wanted it rescheduled to a date after Diwali.

Goyal urged Kharge to take up the request during discussions with party leaders and INDIA bloc allies, arguing that a short delay would help protect commercial activity during one of the busiest periods of the year.

The proposed rally has therefore become the subject of competing considerations, with the Congress yet to announce a final decision on its schedule and the CTI pressing for measures to minimise the impact on Delhi’s trading community.