CTI Flags Festive Trade Concerns, Asks INDIA Bloc to Hold Rally After November 10

The Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) has urged Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to postpone the INDIA bloc’s November 1 rally at Ramlila Maidan until after November 10, warning that the event could disrupt business worth ₹10,000 crore during the festive shopping season.

In a letter to Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, CTI chairman Brijesh Goyal said traffic restrictions, barricading and large crowds could affect wholesale and retail markets in the national capital ahead of Dhanteras, Diwali and Bhai Dooj.

Dhanteras falls on November 6, Diwali on November 8 and Bhai Dooj on November 10 this year. According to CTI, Delhi records business worth around ₹25,000 crore around Dhanteras across sectors such as gold and silver, electronics, clothing, utensils, dry fruits, sweets, automobiles, property and gifts.

The traders’ body said markets generally witness increased activity about a week before the festivals. It also claimed that rallies, marches and road closures in October had caused losses of approximately ₹3,000 crore to traders, affecting customer footfall and the movement of goods.

CTI identified around 20 wholesale and retail markets within five kilometres of Ramlila Maidan that could be affected. These include Chandni Chowk, Sadar Bazar, Chawri Bazar, Bhagirath Palace, Khari Baoli, Kashmere Gate, Nai Sarak, Daryaganj, Dariba and Karol Bagh.

Goyal also expressed concern that traffic restrictions and crowd management measures could inconvenience traders and buyers travelling from other states through Old Delhi and New Delhi railway stations. The organisation said disruptions could discourage outstation customers from visiting the capital during the festive period.

While acknowledging the right to peaceful protest and democratic expression, CTI requested that the rally be held after November 10 to minimise disruption to commercial activity. The ₹10,000-crore figure is CTI’s estimate of potential business disruption, not a confirmed loss.

The INDIA bloc rally is intended to intensify its campaign over alleged “vote chori” and demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.