Rahul Gandhi appeals to rally-goers in Delhi to shop at festivals from local traders

Rahul Gandhi appealed to people to shop for upcoming festivals like Deepavali, Chhath and Bhai Dooj. Photo: AICC via PTI.

Amid concerns among traders in central Delhi over the impact of the crowd expected at the INDIA bloc’s ‘Chalo Dilli’ rally on Sunday (Nov 1, 2026), Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday (Oct 31, 2026) urged people to do some festival shopping after attending the rally.

In a video released late in the day, Mr Gandhi appealed to people to shop for upcoming festivals like Deepavali, Chhath and Bhai Dooj.

“The time of Diwali, Chhath and Bhai Dooj has come. I want those millions of people coming to Delhi from outside to support the traders here,” Mr Gandhi said.

“Protest, march, hold rallies and do some shopping along with it. It will benefit the traders,” he added.

Earlier, a traders’ body in central Delhi had urged the Congress leader to postpone the rally to Deepavali.

Published – 01 Nov 2026 01:04 IST