The proposed INDIA bloc rally at Delhi’s Ramlila Maidan on November 1 has triggered fresh concerns among the capital’s trading community, with business representatives warning that the gathering could disrupt commercial activity during the crucial Diwali shopping season.
The Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI), led by chairman Brijesh Goyal, has written again to Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, urging him to postpone the INDIA bloc rally until after the festive period. The organisation has also sent a copy of its appeal to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, requesting discussions with other alliance partners.
The traders’ body estimates that approximately 10 lakh people could attend the event, potentially bringing 15,000 to 20,000 buses into the capital. It fears that security arrangements, road closures and traffic diversions could severely affect businesses across central Delhi and Old Delhi.
₹10,000 Crore Loss Feared During Festive Season
The timing of the INDIA bloc rally has become a major concern because it falls just days before Dhanteras on November 6, Diwali on November 8 and Bhai Dooj on November 10. This period traditionally attracts substantial consumer spending across jewellery, electronics, clothing, automobiles, sweets and other retail categories.
According to CTI, the markets of Delhi see transactions valued at about ₹25,000 crore during Dhanteras. The organisation has pointed out that any disturbance arising from the proposed event could threaten business valued up to ₹10,000 crore.
The organisation has further said that the previous protests and restrictions made in the month of October had resulted in huge losses for the traders. This was based on the previous protests held at Jantar Mantar on October 10 where barricades and restrictions on movement had an adverse impact on business in various markets.
These figures have been provided by the traders themselves.
Major Markets Could Face Disruptions
These worries have been raised about nearly 20 markets for wholesalers and retailers in the vicinity of Ramlila Maidan at a distance of five kilometers. Some of these markets are Chandni Chowk, Sadar Bazar, Khari Baoli, Chawri Bazar, Bhagirath Palace, Kashmere Gate and Karol Bagh, among others.
It is feared that the installation of barriers and traffic diversion would keep the customers away from shops and godowns on the days when the market would see maximum traffic because of festive season shopping. Movement of goods might be hampered for wholesale companies that distribute goods to retailers all over Delhi and even outside Delhi.
Another aspect that makes the traders worried is the location of Old Delhi and New Delhi railway stations. Many buyers and traders coming from other states come through these stations to reach the wholesale markets of the capital city.
The CTI has questioned whether roads might be closed from October 31 and whether customers would be able to access the markets on the day of the INDIA bloc rally.
Rahul Gandhi Rejects the Demand for Postponement
In response to concerns of the traders, Rahul Gandhi confirmed that the protest will go ahead as scheduled. In his post on X on October 26, he mentioned that the protest can be halted within 30 seconds if the PM Narendra Modi sacks Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Gandhi connected the protest with concerns about the integrity of election procedures, saying that any problem regarding election integrity also becomes a problem for the safety of the citizens’ business, money and future.
The coalition in opposition has been conducting a campaign against the Election Commission’s conduct of Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral roll. They have lodged complaints related to the election process and are holding the Chief Election Commissioner accountable for the same.
The proposed INDIA bloc rally is part of this wider political campaign. The allegations made by opposition leaders remain contested political claims.
Alternative Venue Suggested
Despite reiterating their worries, CTI has accepted the rights of the political parties to organize their peaceful protests. But CTI has requested the organizers to look for another place where the protest can take place, one which does not interfere with business activities.
Some of the places suggested by CTI are Burari Grounds and Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. It is felt that shifting the protest or conducting it after November 10 may solve the problem of protection of businesses during the festive season.
This case represents the issue of how to find balance between political protests and the interests of businesses. As the INDIA bloc rally is imminent, the traders want assurance that people will not have any problems moving about in those places.
What Happens Next?
The immediate challenge that faces the organisers is the possibility of a reconsideration of either the timing or the venue as a result of the plea made by the traders. In light of the approach of the period where shopping takes place, this will have serious consequences for commerce in some of Delhi’s most active marketplaces.
For the business community, the key issue at hand is that of unhindered access to shops, markets, and roadways. For the opposition coalition, the rally is a crucial part of its campaign in relation to accountability.
The management of traffic, security, and access to Ramlila Maidan will play a key role in how disruptive November 1 will be.