Rahul Gandhi Urged by CTI To Defer November 1 INDIA Bloc Rally Over INR 10,000 Crore Trade Loss Fears

The Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) has urged Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to postpone the INDIA bloc's November 1 rally at Delhi's Ramlila Maidan until after November 10, warning that it could disrupt business worth Rs 10,000 crore during the peak Diwali shopping season. In a formal representation written on Saturday, CTI Chairman Brijesh Goyal requested the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha to reschedule the mega gathering to a date after Bhai Dooj to shield retail and wholesale markets in the capital from gridlock.

The traders' body highlighted that Dhanteras, Diwali, and Bhai Dooj represent the busiest annual trading period for Delhi's commercial hubs, with merchants and outstation buyers starting festive transactions weeks in advance. According to the association, holding a large-scale political mobilisation right before the festival peak would directly restrict customer footfall, choke transportation corridors, and disrupt vital supply chains.

Festive Business Stakes and Peak Calendar

Outlining the financial stakes involved in festive trade, the traders' body noted that "Dhanteras falls on November 6, Diwali on November 8 and Bhai Dooj on November 10. The organisation estimated that Dhanteras alone accounts for business worth around Rs 25,000 crore in Delhi, covering sectors such as gold and silver, utensils, electronics, clothing, dry fruits, sweets, automobiles, furniture and other goods".

CTI also cited losses suffered by traders during October due to road closures and diversions around Connaught Place, India Gate and central Delhi. The letter claimed that traders had already incurred losses of approximately Rs 3,000 crore because of the disruption.

Proximity of Wholesale Markets and Transit Terminals

The organisation further pointed out that 20 prominent wholesale and retail markets are located within a five-kilometre radius of Ramlila Maidan. These include Chandni Chowk, Sadar Bazaar, Khari Baoli, Bhagirath Palace, Dariba Kalan, Kashmere Gate, Nai Sarak, Mori Gate, Tilak Bazaar, Daryaganj, Jama Masjid, Chawri Bazaar, Karol Bagh, Nabi Karim, Azad Market and Lajpat Rai Market.

The letter stated that traffic diversions, metro station closures and barricading during the rally could disrupt business activities in these markets and inconvenience traders and customers travelling from outside Delhi. CTI also flagged the proximity of Old Delhi Railway Station and New Delhi Railway Station to Ramlila Maidan, saying that restrictions and congestion during the rally could cause difficulties for commuters and visitors arriving in the city for festive shopping.

Appeal to Balance Political Activity With Trade Interests

While acknowledging the right of political parties to hold rallies and public meetings, the traders' body appealed to Rahul Gandhi to consider the interests of Delhi's business community and reschedule the event.

The letter expressed hope that the Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, would understand the concerns of traders and consider holding the rally after November 10.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 24, 2026 11:30 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).