1 million people, 20000 vehicles, traffic chaos: Delhi traders warn of Rs 10000 crore losses, urge Rahul Gandhi to delay INDIA Bloc rally until Diwali

Delhi traders have again urged Rahul Gandhi to postpone the INDIA bloc’s November 1 rally, warning of traffic chaos, disrupted festive shopping and Rs 10,000 crore losses.

The Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) has once again urged Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi to postpone the INDIA bloc’s proposed protest rally in Delhi until after Diwali. The traders’ body has warned that the event could cause major traffic disruptions and affect business during the festive shopping season.

The rally is scheduled to take place at Ramlila Maidan on November 1, with an expected turnout of 10 lakh people. The CTI has raised concerns that the arrival of thousands of buses and private vehicles could bring business activities in several major markets across the Capital to a standstill.

CTI Writes to Rahul Gandhi Again Over November 1 Rally

CTI chairman Brijesh Goyal has sent a detailed letter to Rahul Gandhi, repeating the demand to reschedule the rally until after Diwali. The organisation has also sent a copy of the letter to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, requesting him to discuss the issue with other INDIA bloc parties.

The latest appeal comes after Gandhi rejected the traders’ earlier request to postpone the protest. According to Goyal, Gandhi addressed Delhi’s traders through a social media post on Monday, making it clear that the rally would go ahead as planned on November 1.

The decision has reportedly caused concern among traders in 20 major markets surrounding Ramlila Maidan, who fear that traffic restrictions and road closures could affect their businesses during one of the busiest shopping periods of the year.

Rahul Gandhi Says Protest Can Stop in 30 Seconds

Responding to the concerns over the rally, Rahul Gandhi said on X on Monday that the protest could be stopped in “30 seconds” if Prime Minister Narendra Modi removed Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

“To every trader in Delhi: We love you and hear you. The government shut the metro, sealed our roads and locked down our capital. With a stolen vote nothing is safe – your shop, your savings, your children’s future,” the Leader of the Opposition wrote in Hindi on X.

“Tell Modi to sack accused no. 4, Gyanesh Kumar, and the protests will stop in 30 seconds,” he added.

Gandhi’s remarks came amid the INDIA bloc’s opposition to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. However, traders say the proposed rally could disrupt commercial activities across central and Old Delhi during the festive season.

Traders Fear Road Closures Before Diwali

The CTI has questioned whether the authorities will introduce traffic restrictions and barricades a day before the rally, potentially affecting business on October 31 and November 1.

“Will barricades be set up as early as October 31st, and will roads be closed off? Will shops be able to open on October 31 and November 1, and will customers be able to reach them?” the traders’ body has asked.

Traders fear that restrictions on roads and transport could prevent customers from reaching markets at a time when shopping activity is usually high ahead of Diwali.

They have also expressed concern about the possible diversion of traffic and the impact on the movement of goods, which is essential for wholesale and retail businesses across the city.

15,000-20,000 Buses May Arrive in Delhi

According to estimates cited by the CTI, between 15,000 and 20,000 buses could arrive in Delhi carrying protesters to the rally. The movement of these buses, along with private vehicles used by political leaders, could put additional pressure on the city’s roads.

Ramlila Maidan is surrounded by several of Delhi’s biggest wholesale and retail markets. The CTI has pointed out that routes leading to the venue pass through commercial areas, raising concerns about traffic congestion and restricted access.

Markets that could be affected include Chandni Chowk, Bhagirath Palace, Khari Baoli, Sadar Bazar, Chawri Bazar, Kashmere Gate, Nabi Karim and Karol Bagh.

Traders fear that heavy traffic, road closures and security arrangements could make it difficult for customers, shopkeepers and suppliers to reach these areas.

CTI Claims Earlier Protest Caused Rs 3,000 Crore Loss

The traders’ body has cited an earlier protest to explain its concerns about the November 1 rally.

According to the CTI, a demonstration involving around 3,000-4,000 people at Jantar Mantar on October 10 resulted in restrictions across central Delhi. The organisation claims that the disruption caused traders losses of approximately Rs 3,000 crore.

The CTI has warned that a rally involving 10 lakh people could have a much greater impact, potentially bringing commercial activities across Old Delhi to a complete standstill.

It estimates that the financial losses could reach Rs 10,000 crore if businesses are unable to operate normally because of the rally and the associated traffic restrictions. These figures are estimates provided by the traders’ body.

Traders Suggest Burari Grounds or JLN Stadium as Alternative Venues

While insisting that the rally should be postponed until after Diwali, the CTI has also proposed an alternative if the INDIA bloc decides to proceed with the event on November 1. The organisation has suggested moving the rally from Ramlila Maidan to another venue, such as Burari Grounds or Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.

According to the CTI, shifting the event to a location away from major commercial areas could help prevent widespread disruption to businesses. The traders’ body has urged political leaders to consider the economic impact of the rally and ensure that the festive shopping season is not affected.

With the November 1 event approaching, the CTI’s appeal highlights the concerns of Delhi’s business community over balancing political demonstrations with the need to keep the Capital’s major markets accessible during the Diwali shopping period.

News is originally taken from: https://tinyurl.com/47t2vv47

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