Delhi traders ask Rahul Gandhi to delay Nov. 1 rally over feared market losses
The Chamber of Trade and Industry urged Rahul Gandhi to postpone his planned November 1 rally at Ramlila Maidan, warning it could cause up to Rs 10,000 crore in losses for Delhi’s wholesale and retail markets.
Delhi’s Chamber of Trade and Industry has appealed to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to defer his November 1 rally at Ramlila Maidan, citing potential economic damage of up to Rs 10,000 crore. The body estimates that a crowd of 10 lakh could attract between 15,000 and 20,000 vehicles, including thousands of buses and smaller transport, straining the city’s infrastructure. It highlighted 21 wholesale and retail markets—such as Chandni Chowk, Sadar Bazaar, and Khari Baoli—that could suffer severe disruption during the crucial festive shopping season.
Gandhi responded by acknowledging traders’ concerns and attributing earlier setbacks to government measures like metro closures and road blockades. Traders have also sought Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s intervention, demanding compensation for losses they attribute to an October 10 protest led by the Cockroach Janta Party.
Why it matters
The rally could cripple Delhi’s major markets during a vital shopping period, threatening billions in economic loss.
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