New Delhi, Oct. 28: The Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) has sought a 20-minute meeting with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to discuss the potential impact of the INDIA bloc’s November 1 rally at Ramlila Maidan on businesses in Delhi. The traders’ body has urged the Opposition to postpone the event until after Diwali, citing concerns about disruptions during the festive shopping season.
In a letter sent on Wednesday, October 28, CTI chairman Brijesh Goyal said representatives from 20 markets wanted to explain how the rally, which is expected to attract a large crowd, could affect business activity. This is the second time CTI has written to Gandhi in four days, following its earlier appeal on October 24.
CTI Rahul Gandhi Meeting Demand Highlights Traders’ Concerns
Goyal said traders were seeking dialogue rather than confrontation and wanted an opportunity to explain their concerns directly to Gandhi. He said the traders would withdraw their protest if Gandhi could convince them that the rally would benefit businesses and attract more customers.
However, if the meeting established that the event could cause financial losses, CTI wants the rally postponed until after Diwali.
The markets represented by CTI include Chandni Chowk, Bhagirath Palace, Khari Baoli, Sadar Bazar, Chawri Bazar, Kashmere Gate, Nabi Karim, Karol Bagh, Ajmeri Gate, Daryaganj, Nai Sarak, Kinari Bazar, Dariba Kalan, Fatehpuri, Naya Bazar, Filmistan, Paharganj, Gaffar Market, Jama Masjid-Meena Bazar and Lajpat Rai Market.
According to CTI, these markets are located within a one-to-five-kilometre radius of Ramlila Maidan and could experience business disruptions due to crowd movement and related arrangements.
The INDIA bloc’s rally is intended to increase pressure on the government over alleged “vote chori” and demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.
The political campaign follows Opposition protests against alleged electoral irregularities, including a March for Democracy in Delhi on October 12 and a joint petition filed against the voter revision process. Gandhi also hosted INDIA bloc leaders at his residence on October 13, after which the alliance pledged to continue its campaign.
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