Delhi Traders Flag Festive Losses, Oppose 1 Nov Rally, Urge DeferralThe Chamber of Trade and Industry and Delhi traders have expressed serious concern over the scheduled 1 November rally at Ramlila Maidan ahead of Diwali. Traders stated that Dhanteras and Diwali represent the most vital business period in Delhi, accounting for an estimated 25,000 crore rupees in trade.
Having already suffered losses close to 3,000 crore rupees due to disruptions in September and October, commercial bodies warned that holding a major political rally during peak shopping days could cause additional losses reaching 10,000 crore rupees. Major commercial hubs located within a five-kilometre radius of Ramlila Maidan, including Chandni Chowk, Sadar Bazar, Khari Baoli, Chawri Bazar, and Bhagirath Palace, face severe disruptions to transport, customer movement, and cargo deliveries.
After appeals to Congress leadership to postpone the rally until after the festive period went unheeded, representatives approached Sonia Gandhi requesting the event be deferred or relocated to prevent crippling congestion across key wholesale markets.