Rahul Gandhi rally: Delhi traders seek postponement or venue change

The proposed Rahul Gandhi rally at Delhi’s Ramlila Maidan on November 1 has prompted the Chamber of Trade and Industry to request a postponement or another venue. The traders’ organisation says traffic restrictions could affect businesses during the festive shopping period.

CTI chairman Brijesh Goyal wrote to Gandhi, with a copy sent to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge. The letter raised concerns about potential road closures and barricades on October 31 and November 1.

The body wants the rally delayed until November 10, after Bhai Dooj. If the date remains unchanged, it has suggested Burari Ground or Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium as alternatives further from the affected commercial areas.

Traders question parking and access arrangements

Congress has said the Rahul Gandhi rally could attract 10 lakh participants. CTI estimated that such attendance could bring between 15,000 and 20,000 vehicles, including buses and smaller passenger vehicles, into the city.

The organisation questioned how that traffic would be accommodated. It claimed the immediate area around Ramlila Maidan lacked authorised space for even 200 vehicles and warned of congestion spreading through Old Delhi’s narrow lanes.

CTI identified 21 potentially affected markets, including Chandni Chowk, Sadar Bazaar, Khari Baoli, Chawri Bazaar and Karol Bagh. It projected possible losses as high as Rs 10,000 crore; that figure is the organisation’s estimate.

The traders’ appeal also referred to business disruption around an October 10 protest. A separate automotive-parts merchants’ association has sought an assessment of those alleged losses and compensation from those it holds responsible.

Gandhi expressed support for traders while blaming government restrictions for disruption. He also repeated allegations concerning electoral wrongdoing and demanded action against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, linking those demands to the continuing protests.

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