New Dehli: The Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) has urged Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to postpone the INDIA bloc’s November 1 rally at Delhi’s Ramlila Maidan until after November 10, warning of potential business losses of Rs 10,000 crore during the festive season, as per media reports.
The traders’ body said the rally could disrupt wholesale and retail markets in central Delhi at a time when businesses expect a surge in customers ahead of Dhanteras and Diwali.
According to media reports, Delhi records business worth around Rs 25,000 crore across sectors such as jewellery, electronics, clothing, utensils, sweets, automobiles and gift items during the festive period. Dhanteras falls on November 6 this year, followed by Diwali on November 8 and Bhai Dooj on November 10.
The CTI also expressed concern that traffic diversions, barricading and possible restrictions on public transport could inconvenience shoppers and traders travelling to the capital from other states. The movement of goods to wholesale markets could also be affected.
The organisation claimed that rallies, marches and road closures in October had already caused losses of around Rs 3,000 crore to Delhi’s traders. This estimate has not been independently verified.
Several markets, including Chandni Chowk, Sadar Bazar, Khari Baoli and Chawri Bazar, could face disruptions due to their proximity to the rally venue.
The traders’ body has called for the rally to be rescheduled to minimise disruption during the peak festive shopping period.
