UPDATED: Nov 1, 2026 11:50 ISTDelhi traders have raised serious concerns ahead of the Opposition rally at Ramlila Maidan, warning of massive business losses during the festive season. The Chamber of Trade and Industry wrote a fourth letter to Rahul Gandhi requesting the rally be postponed until after Diwali.

According to the traders' body, nearly 2.5 lakh to 3 lakh shops across key central and old Delhi markets, including Chandni Chowk, Sadar Bazar, Connaught Place, and Khari Baoli, face severe disruption, with around 80 percent of shops remaining shut. Rahul Gandhi urged protesters arriving from outside the capital to support local shopkeepers by making purchases, claiming the rally would not hurt businesses.

However, trader associations remain unconvinced, pointing out that heavy traffic congestion and barricaded routes prevent shoppers from reaching the markets, completely halting festive commerce. Read MoreVIDEOS FROM OTHER SECTIONSLATEST VIDEOSINDIA Bloc Rally: Opposition Leaders Assemble in Delhi Ahead of March to Ramlila MaidanLeaders from several opposition parties in the INDIA bloc gathered in New Delhi ahead of a planned march to Ramlila Maidan.

Senior political figures assembled at Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge's residence and the Constitution Club before moving towards Minto Road Junction. The demonstration was organized following calls by Rahul Gandhi and opposition constituents demanding free and fair elections, alongside the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

Party leaders, including Kumari Selja, Sanjay Raut, and N.K. Premachandran, addressed the gathering, countering accusations of creating anarchy by pointing to previous nationwide movements and insisting on the preservation of democratic rights.

Key demands highlighted by the opposition camp include the removal of the Chief Election Commissioner, the scrapping of the Special Intensive Revision exercise, and the reinstatement of deleted voter entries across electoral rolls. Supporter mobilizations were reported as political delegations prepared to advance towards the protest site.INDIA Bloc Rally at Ramlila Maidan, Left Parties Mobilise, CEC Resignation DemandSupporters and political cadres from across India gathered in massive numbers at Delhi's Ramlila Maidan for a mega rally organised by the opposition INDIA bloc.

The demonstration witnessed participation from multiple political groups, including Congress and Left parties such as the CPI and allied trade unions, who marched towards the venue carrying banners and placards. Ahead of the formal address by opposition leaders, supporters from various states showcased regional cultural traditions, including Himachal Pradesh Congress workers performing the Kullavi Nati.

At the core of the political mobilisation are allegations of irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision process and demands from opposition leaders seeking the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner. Concurrently, political reactions emerged targeting the opposition for staging demonstrations on the streets, accusing them of creating deadlock and undermining constitutional institutions instead of debating inside Parliament.Delhi Security Stepped Up as INDIA Bloc Holds Mega Protest Rally at Ramlila MaidanSecurity arrangements have been tightened across the national capital in view of major rallies organised by the opposition INDIA bloc.

Around 200 to 250 CCTV cameras have been installed across the protest area, with Seva Dal volunteers and Civil Defence personnel deployed alongside security forces. Two marches have been scheduled, including one advancing towards Ramlila Maidan and another passing through West Delhi.

More than 4,000 police personnel have been stationed to maintain law and order and manage crowd movement. Supporters representing various political groups, including Arvind Kejriwal's supporters, CPIM, and SFI, gathered at Ramlila Maidan early in the morning carrying flags and banners.

Police authorities noted that the venue has an accommodation limit of around 45,000 people. Multiple designated segments and gates have been set up to regulate entry and prevent overcrowding or stampede-like conditions if arrivals exceed capacity.BJP Targets INDIA Bloc Over 1984 Anti-Sikh Riots Ahead of Delhi ProtestsAhead of the INDIA bloc rally at Ramlila Maidan, the Bharatiya Janata Party mounted a sharp offensive against the opposition, invoking the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.

The BJP organised a march from Tilak Nagar to Hari Nagar in Delhi, stating that the pain and wounds of the 1984 victims remain alive and accusing the Congress of attempting to bury them under political theatrics. Referring to the massacre of Sikhs following the assassination of Indira Gandhi, party leaders questioned the timing of the opposition's mobilisation during a period of mourning.

The BJP characterised the INDIA bloc's campaign as an effort to relaunch a failed leader ahead of upcoming regional elections. Meanwhile, extensive security arrangements and police fortifications, including paramilitary forces, were deployed across the national capital to monitor the competing demonstrations.