Kharge's Rally Remark Gives Delhi Traders Hope Before Diwali

Traders in Delhi have renewed their call for the Congress to shift its November 1 rally at Ramlila Maidan to a date after Diwali. Their demand comes after Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said the party would consider the concerns before taking a decision.

The traders welcomed Kharge's remark, saying it offered them a sense of relief during an anxious period for the city's markets. They argue that a rally held just before the festival could disrupt business at a time when sales are at their highest.

Kharge said that the Congress would take a final call only after consulting its allies in the opposition alliance.

The Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI), one of the biggest platforms for traders and entrepreneurs, said Kharge's words had created optimism among Delhi's business community. "We sincerely welcome this sensitive attitude," the body said.

Brijesh Goyal, chairman of CTI, said the trade organisation had written to Kharge with a request. He asked that the rally be held after Diwali, keeping in mind the peak season and the livelihoods of lakhs of traders in the capital.

Dhanteras will be observed on November 6, which is a Friday this year. Diwali is on November 8, and the peak business period continues through Bhai Dooj on November 10 and 11. Traders say Dhanteras alone generates business of about Rs 25,000 crore across Delhi's sectors.

According to CTI, 20 major wholesale and retail markets are located within a five-kilometre radius of Ramlila Maidan. The list includes Chandni Chowk, Sadar Bazar, Kashmere Gate, Chawri Bazar, Daryaganj, Kamla Market, Bhagirath Palace, Khari Baoli, Naya Bazar, Azad Market, Dariba Jewellery Market, Kinari Bazar, Nabi Karim, Karol Bagh, Jhandewalan and Jama Masjid.

Nearly 3 lakh traders work in these markets. Counting their families and the employees who work in their shops, about 15 lakh people rely on these 20 markets for their livelihood.

CTI argued that a mega rally of 10 lakh people would affect markets well beyond Ramlila Maidan and could cause panic across Delhi, as seen during the Jantar Mantar protest on October 10. The organisation said that protest had already brought lockdown-like conditions to the city and resulted in losses of Rs 3,000 crore in October alone.

The traders said they do not want a similar situation during the Diwali peak season and have urged the party to reconsider the timing of the rally.