The Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) has formally approached Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, urging her to defer the upcoming rally organised by the INDIA bloc, scheduled for November 1 at Ramlila Maidan. The traders’ body cited significant economic concerns, particularly during the crucial festive shopping season, emphasising that the gathering of approximately 10 lakh (1 million) people and 15,000 to 20,000 vehicles could lead to severe traffic disruptions across Central Delhi.

In their letter, the CTI expressed that the rally should be rescheduled to a date after Diwali, highlighting that the lack of adequate parking facilities for the anticipated vehicles could result in a complete gridlock, reminiscent of a lockdown scenario. The traders are particularly anxious about the impact on their businesses during this peak time.

CTI Chairman Brijesh Goyal reiterated that their appeal is not a political opposition to the rally but a genuine plea to safeguard their livelihoods. He pointed out that November 1 is the busiest day for preparing goods for the upcoming festivals, with Dhanteras on November 6 and Diwali on November 8.

Concerns Over Economic Impact

Goyal elaborated on the economic implications of the planned rally, noting that the 20 markets affected generate a daily turnover of ₹10,000 to ₹12,000 crore. He expressed concern that if traffic congestion occurs on October 31 and November 1, it would hinder the transportation of goods necessary for the festive season. The traders fear that their ability to operate effectively during this critical period would be severely compromised.

The CTI highlighted the potential for a logistical crisis, stating that Ramlila Maidan lacks the capacity to accommodate the number of vehicles expected. They raised questions about where the 15,000 to 20,000 vehicles would be parked, given that the venue cannot even accommodate 200 large buses.

Additionally, the CTI pointed out that many historic markets within a 5 km radius, such as Chandni Chowk and Connaught Place, could face detrimental effects from the rally. These markets are vital to Delhi’s economy and depend on smooth transport operations for their daily business activities.

Logistical Challenges and Alternatives Proposed

The CTI also expressed concerns regarding potential gridlock at Delhi’s borders, which could begin as early as the afternoon of October 31. They noted that transporters are already hesitant to dispatch goods due to fears of traffic disruptions. Previous protests have already impacted traders during the festive season, and the CTI fears a repeat of such situations.

To mitigate the potential economic fallout, the CTI has proposed two alternatives to the Congress leadership: either rescheduling the rally to after the peak festive season, ideally beyond November 10, or relocating it to Burari Maidan if the November 1 date is non-negotiable. These suggestions aim to ensure that traders can continue their operations without significant interruptions.

As the rally, termed the ‘Chalo Dilli Ramlila March’, approaches, it has been framed by the opposition as a demonstration against alleged electoral misconduct. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has called for participation from all who wish to protect democratic values and the Constitution, stating that the movement transcends individual party interests. With less than 48 hours until the event, traders in Delhi await a response from the Congress leadership regarding their request for a postponement.

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