The Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) in Delhi has formally requested Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to reschedule a planned rally at Ramlila Maidan, citing severe economic distress for local traders during the peak festive season. In a letter addressed to the Congress leader, CTI Chairman Brijesh Goyal highlighted that traders have already incurred losses amounting to 3,000 crore rupees due to various protest demonstrations held throughout October. The organization warns that if the November 1st rally proceeds as scheduled, the financial impact could escalate significantly.
The festive months of October and November are critical for Delhi’s economy, with trade volumes typically reaching 25,000 crore rupees. However, ongoing protests regarding the Election Commission’s procedures and the SIR process have severely disrupted business activities in central Delhi, including the prominent Connaught Place area. Traders report that the atmosphere of political uncertainty and the resulting traffic restrictions are deterring shoppers, leading to a sharp decline in sales during what should be the most profitable time of the year.
The strategic location of Ramlila Maidan adds to the traders' concerns. Within a five-kilometer radius of the venue lie major commercial hubs such as Chandni Chowk, Sadar Bazar, Kashmiri Gate, Jama Masjid, Jhandewalan, and Karol Bagh. These areas house thousands of wholesale and retail establishments. Furthermore, the proximity of the New Delhi and Old Delhi railway stations—vital transit points for thousands of traders and customers—means that any disruption at the rally site causes widespread logistical chaos, hindering the movement of goods and people.
CTI representatives emphasized that their appeal is not politically motivated but is rooted in the necessity of protecting the livelihoods of thousands of small and medium-sized business owners. They argue that the festive season is the primary window for recovery after a challenging year, and political demonstrations in the heart of the city’s commercial district exacerbate the economic burden.
As of now, there has been no official response from the Congress party regarding the request. The situation remains tense as the business community awaits a decision, fearing that a failure to reschedule the event will lead to further economic stagnation and irreparable losses for the city’s retail and wholesale sectors during the most important shopping period of the year.
