Delhi traders seek postponement of Congress election rally
Delhi traders have urged Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to postpone the opposition's November 1 rally at Ramlila Maidan, warning that traffic restrictions could jeopardise business worth ₹10,000 crore during the Diwali shopping season.
The appeal comes amid an escalating confrontation between Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party over the planned demonstration against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.
BJP president Nitin Nabin has accused Gandhi of acting at the behest of foreign interests seeking to destabilise the country. He has also announced a Save Democracy campaign to counter the opposition's allegations concerning electoral integrity.
The Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI), representing Delhi traders, has written to Gandhi requesting that the demonstration be rescheduled until after November 10, when Bhai Dooj marks the conclusion of the principal festive celebrations.
CTI chairman Brijesh Goyal said the rally could seriously disrupt wholesale and retail activity around Ramlila Maidan, particularly because the festive shopping period begins on November 1.
The organisation estimates that commercial activity worth approximately ₹10,000 crore could be affected if restrictions on movement discourage customers from visiting major markets. The figure represents a projection of business at risk, rather than an established financial loss.
Goyal pointed out that Dhanteras falls on November 6, followed by Diwali on November 8 and Bhai Dooj on November 10. These occasions traditionally generate substantial demand for jewellery, electronics, clothing, household goods and gifts.
The traders' organisation estimates that Delhi records approximately ₹25,000 crore in commercial transactions around Dhanteras across several sectors.
Nearly 20 wholesale and retail markets within five kilometres of Ramlila Maidan could face difficulties, according to CTI. They include Chandni Chowk, Sadar Bazaar, Chawri Bazaar, Khari Baoli, Bhagirath Palace and Karol Bagh.
Traders fear that barricades, traffic diversions and possible restrictions on Metro services could reduce customer footfall and interrupt deliveries. Buyers travelling from outside Delhi could also encounter difficulties reaching markets near the city's principal railway stations.
CTI maintained that political organisations have a democratic right to organise demonstrations but should consider their economic consequences when selecting dates and venues.
The association also claimed that demonstrations and road closures during October had already caused substantial commercial losses. Its estimates have not been independently established.
Meanwhile, Nabin intensified the BJP's criticism of Congress while addressing party workers in Ranchi on Saturday. He accused the opposition of undermining constitutional institutions while claiming to defend democracy.
The BJP president alleged that Gandhi and his associates were advancing the interests of external forces opposed to India's development. No independently verified evidence establishing foreign direction of the Congress campaign has been presented.
Nabin also challenged Congress over its allegations of electoral manipulation, arguing that the opposition was attacking the Election Commission without substantiating its accusations through appropriate institutional channels.
Congress has maintained that its campaign seeks to protect voting rights and ensure accountability in electoral administration. Opposition leaders have questioned the conduct of electoral roll revisions and demanded the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Kumar.
Haryana Congress leaders Sanjay Dutt and Rao Narender Singh said the demand for Kumar's removal would be central to the November 1 gathering, which is being organised under the Save the Vote, Save the Country campaign.
Gandhi has reiterated his appeal for participation in the demonstration, while Congress general secretary K C Venugopal has reviewed organisational preparations with party functionaries responsible for mobilisation.
The proposed gathering is intended to bring together Congress supporters and other constituents of the INDIA opposition alliance, which has challenged the Election Commission's handling of voter-list revisions.
The Election Commission has defended its procedures, maintaining that its decisions carry legal authority and comply with established statutory requirements. It has also stated that differences of opinion within the institution are part of normal deliberations.
Delhi Police has already granted permission for the rally. Deputy Commissioner of Police Rohit Rajbir Singh confirmed that a no-objection certificate had been issued covering October 25 to November 3.
Police authorities have said they are coordinating with organisers, traffic personnel and other agencies to maintain public order and manage movement around the venue.
The arrangements will be particularly important because Ramlila Maidan is situated close to densely populated commercial districts where wholesale deliveries, retail purchases and passenger movements frequently overlap.
The traders' letter additionally highlights the dependence of these markets on visitors arriving through New Delhi and Old Delhi railway stations, both located near the proposed demonstration venue.
The appeal comes amid an escalating confrontation between Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party over the planned demonstration against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.
BJP president Nitin Nabin has accused Gandhi of acting at the behest of foreign interests seeking to destabilise the country. He has also announced a Save Democracy campaign to counter the opposition's allegations concerning electoral integrity.
The Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI), representing Delhi traders, has written to Gandhi requesting that the demonstration be rescheduled until after November 10, when Bhai Dooj marks the conclusion of the principal festive celebrations.
CTI chairman Brijesh Goyal said the rally could seriously disrupt wholesale and retail activity around Ramlila Maidan, particularly because the festive shopping period begins on November 1.
The organisation estimates that commercial activity worth approximately ₹10,000 crore could be affected if restrictions on movement discourage customers from visiting major markets. The figure represents a projection of business at risk, rather than an established financial loss.
Goyal pointed out that Dhanteras falls on November 6, followed by Diwali on November 8 and Bhai Dooj on November 10. These occasions traditionally generate substantial demand for jewellery, electronics, clothing, household goods and gifts.
The traders' organisation estimates that Delhi records approximately ₹25,000 crore in commercial transactions around Dhanteras across several sectors.
Nearly 20 wholesale and retail markets within five kilometres of Ramlila Maidan could face difficulties, according to CTI. They include Chandni Chowk, Sadar Bazaar, Chawri Bazaar, Khari Baoli, Bhagirath Palace and Karol Bagh.
Traders fear that barricades, traffic diversions and possible restrictions on Metro services could reduce customer footfall and interrupt deliveries. Buyers travelling from outside Delhi could also encounter difficulties reaching markets near the city's principal railway stations.
CTI maintained that political organisations have a democratic right to organise demonstrations but should consider their economic consequences when selecting dates and venues.
The association also claimed that demonstrations and road closures during October had already caused substantial commercial losses. Its estimates have not been independently established.
Meanwhile, Nabin intensified the BJP's criticism of Congress while addressing party workers in Ranchi on Saturday. He accused the opposition of undermining constitutional institutions while claiming to defend democracy.
The BJP president alleged that Gandhi and his associates were advancing the interests of external forces opposed to India's development. No independently verified evidence establishing foreign direction of the Congress campaign has been presented.
Nabin also challenged Congress over its allegations of electoral manipulation, arguing that the opposition was attacking the Election Commission without substantiating its accusations through appropriate institutional channels.
Congress has maintained that its campaign seeks to protect voting rights and ensure accountability in electoral administration. Opposition leaders have questioned the conduct of electoral roll revisions and demanded the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Kumar.
Haryana Congress leaders Sanjay Dutt and Rao Narender Singh said the demand for Kumar's removal would be central to the November 1 gathering, which is being organised under the Save the Vote, Save the Country campaign.
Gandhi has reiterated his appeal for participation in the demonstration, while Congress general secretary K C Venugopal has reviewed organisational preparations with party functionaries responsible for mobilisation.
The proposed gathering is intended to bring together Congress supporters and other constituents of the INDIA opposition alliance, which has challenged the Election Commission's handling of voter-list revisions.
The Election Commission has defended its procedures, maintaining that its decisions carry legal authority and comply with established statutory requirements. It has also stated that differences of opinion within the institution are part of normal deliberations.
Delhi Police has already granted permission for the rally. Deputy Commissioner of Police Rohit Rajbir Singh confirmed that a no-objection certificate had been issued covering October 25 to November 3.
Police authorities have said they are coordinating with organisers, traffic personnel and other agencies to maintain public order and manage movement around the venue.
The arrangements will be particularly important because Ramlila Maidan is situated close to densely populated commercial districts where wholesale deliveries, retail purchases and passenger movements frequently overlap.
The traders' letter additionally highlights the dependence of these markets on visitors arriving through New Delhi and Old Delhi railway stations, both located near the proposed demonstration venue.