CTI Urges Rahul Gandhi to Postpone INDIA Bloc Rally, Warns of ₹10,000 Crore Business Loss

The Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI), a prominent traders’ organisation in Delhi, has urged Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi to postpone the INDIA bloc’s proposed mega rally at Ramlila Maidan on November 1 until November 10. The organisation has warned that the rally could disrupt festive-season business and lead to estimated losses of around ₹10,000 crore in the national capital.

The opposition alliance is organising the rally to protest alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and what it describes as “vote theft”. The protest is also expected to demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and greater transparency in the electoral process.

Traders Fear Festive-Season Business Disruptions

In a letter to Rahul Gandhi, CTI Chairman Brijesh Goyal highlighted the potential impact of the rally on Delhi’s markets during the crucial festive shopping period.

According to the organisation, Dhanteras will be celebrated on November 6, followed by Diwali on November 8. Delhi’s markets are expected to record business worth approximately ₹25,000 crore during the festive period across sectors such as gold, silver, electronics, garments and automobiles.

The CTI has expressed concern that traffic restrictions and road blockages around Ramlila Maidan could affect business activities in nearly 20 major wholesale and retail markets within a five-kilometre radius.

Markets likely to be affected include Chandni Chowk, Sadar Bazaar, Khari Baoli, Karol Bagh and Daryaganj. Traders fear that disruptions could discourage customers and businesspeople travelling to Delhi from other states from visiting these commercial hubs.

The organisation believes postponing the rally until November 10 would help minimise disruptions during the festive shopping season.

Traders Cite Previous Losses

The CTI has also pointed to losses reportedly suffered by traders during protests held in October. According to the organisation, businesses in Connaught Place and central Delhi have already incurred losses estimated at ₹3,000 crore due to repeated demonstrations.

The traders’ body has warned that another large gathering during the festive period could further affect sales, customer movement and commercial activity.

INDIA Bloc Steps Up Protest Over Electoral Rolls

The proposed rally is part of the INDIA bloc’s wider campaign against alleged irregularities in the electoral process. The opposition has demanded accountability from the Election Commission and raised concerns over the Special Intensive Revision of voter lists.

On October 12, a ‘March for Democracy’ was reportedly held in connection with the campaign, followed by a joint petition against the Chief Election Commissioner. On October 13, Rahul Gandhi hosted opposition alliance leaders at his residence to discuss expanding the movement.

The CTI’s appeal has brought the potential economic impact of the planned demonstration into focus, with traders seeking a balance between political protests and the interests of businesses during one of the year’s busiest shopping periods.