Delhi traders warn of potential impact on 21 markets from November 1 Congress rally, seek delay

The CTI said Old Delhi’s narrow lanes, many of which are only 10 to 12 feet wide, could face severe congestion if vehicles enter the area, with one truck stuck causing traffic jams lasting several hours. | Photo credit: Sushil Kumar Verma

The proposed Congress rally at Ramlila Majdan on November 1 could disrupt business in 21 major wholesale and retail markets in Delhi, including Chandni Chowk, Sadar Bazaar, Khari Baoli and Bhagirath Palace, during the peak festive season, traders’ body CTI said.

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CTI) wrote to Congress president Rahul Gandhi, demanding that the proposed rally, in which the party claimed 10 million people, be postponed to 10 November after Bhai Dooj or moved to another venue outside the commercial premises.

CTI president Brijesh Goyal said a copy of the letter was also sent to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and urged him to take up the matter with the alliance partners.

Mr Goyal said traders were concerned about possible roadblocks and road closures on October 31 and November 1 and whether customers would be able to get to stores during the key holiday shopping period.

According to CTI, a gathering of 10 million people could bring 15,000 to 20,000 vehicles to Delhi, including 10,000 to 12,000 buses and 5,000 to 7,000 smaller vehicles such as cars, minibuses and tempo passengers.

The traders’ body questioned where these vehicles would be parked and claimed that there was no authorized parking even for 200 vehicles in the immediate vicinity of Ramlila Maidan.

The 21 markets identified by CTI as potentially affected include Chandni Chowk, Bhagirath Palace, Khari Baoli, Sadar Bazaar, Chawri Bazaar, Kashmir Gate, Nabi Karim, Karol Bagh, Ajmeri Gate, Daryaganj, Nai Sarak, Kinari Bazaar, Dariba Kalan, Lahorj Fateh Gate, Lahori Gaffi Film Market, Jama Masjid, Lajpat Rai Market and Naya Bazaar.

The CTI said Old Delhi’s narrow lanes, many of which are only 10 to 12 feet wide, could face severe congestion if vehicles enter the area, with one truck stuck causing traffic jams lasting several hours.

Citing the incident at Jantar Mantar on 10 October, the organization alleged that a gathering of around 3,000 to 4,000 people disrupted movement in central Delhi and caused a loss of ₹3,000 crore to traders.

It predicted that the November 1 rally could bring business to a standstill in Old Delhi, resulting in losses of up to ₹10,000 crore.

CTI suggested that if the rally could not be postponed, it should be shifted to Burari Ground or Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium to minimize the impact on businesses.

Published – 27 Oct 2026 13:03 IST