Trade Body Offers Dialogue Before Ramlila Maidan Rally
A prominent trade body in Delhi has urged Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi to hear the concerns of traders before a large rally scheduled for November 1 at Ramlila Maidan. In an open letter dated Thursday, the Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) proposed a brief dialogue with representatives of 20 wholesale markets located near the rally venue.
The letter was written by CTI chairman Brijesh Goyal, who said the traders wanted only 20 minutes of Mr Gandhi's time. He framed the request as an opportunity for constructive exchange rather than protest.
According to the letter, the meeting could settle the matter in either direction. If Mr Gandhi could persuade the traders that a rally of around 10 lakh people at Ramlila Maidan would benefit business and bring in more customers, CTI would drop its objection on the spot and support the event.
If, however, the traders could demonstrate within the same 20 minutes that the rally would hurt commerce in the surrounding markets, the organisation said the event should be shifted to after Diwali in the interest of the public.
Goyal stressed that the traders were seeking talks, not a confrontation. He pointed to Mr Gandhi's public statements about listening to everyone, including small traders, and said the 20 markets were simply asking for a hearing in that spirit.
The CTI letter also echoed Mr Gandhi's message of love and harmony. Quoting his line about running a shop of love in a market of hatred, the body appealed to him not to shut that shop during the Diwali business season. It added that traders were the true face of that shop and hoped he would make time for the discussion.
The markets involved lie between one and five kilometres from Ramlila Maidan, and the organisation warned that business there could face disruption on the day of the rally. The list includes Chandni Chowk, Bhagirath Palace, Khari Baoli, Sadar Bazar, Chawri Bazar, Kashmere Gate, Nabi Karim, Karol Bagh, Ajmeri Gate, Daryaganj, Nai Sadak, Kinari Bazar, Dariba Kalan, Fatehpuri, Naya Bazar, Filmistan, Paharganj, Gaffar Market, Jama Masjid-Meena Bazar and Lajpat Rai Market.
These markets cover a broad range of trades, including electronics, electrical goods, spices, dry fruits, garments, jewellery, books, stationery, machinery, auto parts, furniture, timber, mobile phones, crockery and grocery items.