Rahul Gandhi’s Nov 1 Block Rally in India: Delhi CTI cites ₹25,000 cr Dhanteras business, seeks postponement — What letter addressed to MP | Today’s news
The Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CTI) has appealed to Congress MP and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi to postpone the November 1 INDIA Bloc rally at Ramlila Maidan to a date beyond November 10, saying the event could disrupt business during Delhi’s peak festive shopping season.
In a letter to Gandhi on Saturday, CTI president Brijesh Goyal suggested holding a rally after Bhai Dooj to be celebrated on November 10 this year.
The traders’ association pointed out that Delhi’s retail markets witness increased business activity around Dhanteras, Diwali and Bhai Dooj, with preparations, purchases and sales ramping up well ahead of the festivals, according to ANI.
The letter stated that Dhanteras would be observed on November 6, Diwali on November 8 and Bhai Dooj on November 10. It is also estimated that Dhanteras alone generates business worth approx ₹25,000 crore in Delhi across several sectors, including gold and silver, tableware, electronics, apparel, dry fruits, sweets, automobiles and furniture, among other goods.
The CTI also referred to business losses suffered by traders in October due to road closures and traffic diversions around Connaught Place, India Gate and other parts of central Delhi. It claimed that these disruptions had already resulted in near losses ₹3000 crores for the business community.
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The traders’ body further noted that there are 20 large wholesale and retail markets operating within a radius of five kilometers from Ramlila Maidan. These include Chandni Chowk, Sadar Bazaar, Khari Baoli, Bhagirath Palace, Dariba Kalan, Kashmir Gate, Nai Sarak, Mori Gate, Tilak Bazaar, Daryaganj, Jama Masjid, Chawri Bazaar, Karol Bagh, Nabi Karim, Azad Market and Lajpat Rai Market.
According to the paper, traffic restrictions, metro station closures and roadblocks during the rally could affect business activity in these markets. Such measures could also cause inconvenience to traders and customers traveling to Delhi from neighboring areas and other cities.
CTI also highlighted the location of Old Delhi Railway Station and New Delhi Railway Station near Ramlila Maidan. Traffic restrictions and congestion during the rally could inconvenience commuters and visitors coming to the capital for festive shopping, she said.
While recognizing the right of political parties to organize rallies and public meetings, the traders’ association urged Rahul Gandhi to take into account the concerns of the business community in Delhi and consider postponing the event.
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The letter expressed the hope that Gandhi, in his capacity as a Congress MP and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, would acknowledge the traders’ concerns and agree to hold a rally after November 10.
Congress rally targeting the Center over allegations of ‘chori election’.
The opposition assembly is set to mount pressure on the government over ‘vote chori’ allegations and demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
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Earlier, on October 12, opposition leaders, activists and civil society members staged a ‘March for Democracy’ in Delhi and took their protest against alleged ‘vote theft’ to the doorstep of the Supreme Court. The march took place along a route secured by heavy barricades, with participants also filing a joint petition challenging the SIR.
A day later, Gandhi hosted the leaders of the INDIA bloc at his residence for a meeting on the matter. After the discussions, the opposition alliance pledged to continue its resistance and bring the “vote chori” campaign to its logical conclusion.
