Delhi traders warn Nov. 1 rally could hit 21 markets, seek delay or move

Delhi traders' body the Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) says a Congress rally planned for Nov. 1 at Ramlila Maidan could disrupt business in 21 major wholesale and retail markets in Delhi during the peak festive shopping season. It has written to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi asking for the rally to be postponed until Nov. 10, after Bhai Dooj, or shifted to a venue away from commercial areas.

What traders fear

According to a Press Trust of India (PTI) report on Oct. 27, CTI chairman Brijesh Goyal said a copy of the letter had also been sent to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, asking him to discuss the matter with alliance partners. Traders are worried about possible barricading and road closures on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1, and whether customers will be able to reach shops.

The CTI said the rally's organisers have claimed a turnout of 10 lakh people (one million), which it estimated could bring 15,000 to 20,000 vehicles into Delhi, including 10,000 to 12,000 buses and 5,000 to 7,000 smaller vehicles such as cars and minibuses. The 21 markets it named include Chandni Chowk, Sadar Bazaar, Khari Baoli, Bhagirath Palace, Chawri Bazaar, Kashmere Gate, Karol Bagh and Daryaganj.

The CTI said many lanes in Old Delhi are only 10 to 12 feet wide, so a single stuck truck could cause jams lasting several hours. Citing an event at Jantar Mantar on Oct. 10 involving around 3,000 to 4,000 people, it claimed central Delhi movement was disrupted and traders lost ₹3,000 crore; it projected the Nov. 1 rally could bring Old Delhi business to a standstill, with losses of up to ₹10,000 crore. Those loss figures are the traders' claims, not officially verified totals.

Alternative venues suggested

If the rally cannot be postponed, the CTI suggested shifting it to Burari Ground or Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium to minimise the impact on business.

Congress response

Congress defended the rally the same day. MP Jebi Mather said the 'Delhi Chalo March' was about electoral transparency and protecting democracy, and rejected claims it would spoil Diwali celebrations. Congress leader Udit Raj questioned why business groups had stayed silent over earlier disruptions such as the farmers' protest and demonetisation, and claimed some traders' organisations were acting under pressure from the ruling BJP, though the report noted he provided no evidence for that allegation. Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal had alleged the rally would disrupt Diwali and hurt traders.

On the reports available so far, the rally remains planned for Nov. 1 at Ramlila Maidan; whether it is postponed or moved is still for the organisers and the authorities to decide.