Delhi traders have again appealed to Rahul Gandhi to postpone the INDIA bloc’s proposed rally on November 1, saying it would severely disrupt business during the Diwali season and could lead to an estimated revenue loss of Rs 10,000 crore.
The INDIA bloc is planning a march at Ramlila Maidan in the national capital, demanding the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Organisers expect around 10 lakh participants and the movement of about 20,000 buses into Delhi.
Ahead of the event, police have begun preparations that include road barricades and possible closures of metro stations in central Delhi. With security being tightened daily, trade in an area of roughly 5 km around the rally venue has already been affected.
Traders said wholesale and retail activity has dropped by about half in key markets such as Chandni Chowk, Sadar Bazaar, Chawri Bazaar and Kashmere Gate. In a letter sent by the Delhi traders’ association, they said nearly 20 lakh traders’ incomes could be impacted and noted that Delhi trade has already suffered an estimated Rs 3,000 crore loss over the past 25 days.
The traders said their earlier request had been rejected, and they have now reiterated their appeal to hold the rally on another day to avoid further disruption during the festival period.
