The trade body warns that traffic restrictions near central markets could affect shoppers and business activity
NEW DELHI The Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) has asked Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to postpone the INDIA bloc’s planned November 1 rally at Ramlila Maidan until after November 10, saying the timing could create difficulties for businesses during the festive shopping period.
Business access concerns In a letter to Gandhi, the traders’ body warned that road closures, traffic diversions and large crowds could make it harder for customers to reach commercial areas before Dhanteras, Diwali and Bhai Dooj.
Trade-loss estimates CTI chairman Brijesh Goyal said festive trade worth nearly ₹10,000 crore could be at risk. The organisation also estimated that protests and traffic disruption had contributed to losses of about ₹3,000 crore in parts of central Delhi during October. These are estimates cited by the traders’ body and have not been independently verified.
Markets in focus The CTI identified Chandni Chowk, Sadar Bazaar, Chawri Bazaar and Karol Bagh as areas that could be affected by congestion and diversions. It said the disruption could discourage both local shoppers and buyers travelling into Delhi from other places.
A dispute over timing The CTI said it supports peaceful protest but urged political parties to avoid major demonstrations near busy commercial districts during the festive period. The BJP has also criticised the date, citing its coincidence with the anniversary of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. The Congress-led INDIA bloc has planned the rally around allegations of electoral-roll irregularities and its ‘vote chori’ campaign.