CTI Seeks Postponement of Ramlila Maidan Rally Until After Diwali
The Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) has urged the Congress to postpone its proposed November 1 rally at Ramlila Maidan until after Diwali, citing the risk to Delhi's wholesale and retail markets during the peak shopping season.
Trade organisations said on Monday that the festive period was already under strain from protests and traffic restrictions. They fear that a large political rally in the heart of the city could compound these difficulties.
CTI has written to Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, who serves as Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, asking for the rally to be rescheduled.
CTI Chairman Brijesh Goyal said the rally is expected to attract nearly 10 lakh people, while the venue can accommodate only about 50,000. Such a large gathering, he said, would have a serious impact on the surrounding wholesale markets.
Goyal listed several key areas that could be hit, including Chandni Chowk, Sadar Bazar, Khari Baoli, Naya Bazar, Daryaganj and Kashmere Gate, all major commercial centres.
He cited the October 10 protest at Jantar Mantar as a warning. Even a gathering of two to four thousand people led to metro shutdowns, barricading and a lockdown-like situation across Delhi, with more than 20 markets forced to close.
Goyal explained that 20 large wholesale hubs lie within five kilometres of Ramlila Maidan. Police barricades and road closures could prevent the three to four lakh outside buyers who come to Delhi every day from reaching the markets, and fear among the public could also keep local buyers away.
With Dhanteras falling on November 6, traders argue that a major event just four or five days earlier could create fear and uncertainty in the markets. CTI estimates that if the rally proceeds on schedule, Delhi's trade could suffer losses of more than Rs 10,000 crore. For this reason, traders have asked only for a short postponement.
Vinay Narang, President of APMA Kashmere Gate, said traders have faced losses since October 2 for a range of reasons. Festive bonuses for staff and workers add to the burden, and reduced sales have increased economic pressure.
Narang said that a major rally on November 1 would discourage traders and buyers from other states from visiting Delhi, as barricades and traffic restrictions would hurt business. He noted that Ramlila Maidan is close to New Delhi railway station, so many customers and wholesale buyers may cancel their travel plans.
He also said that buyers who stay away during this period may not return to the same markets, and some may shift to local or other city suppliers, causing lasting damage to Delhi's traders.
Narang repeated the request that the rally be held after Diwali, adding that the festive season is crucial because it determines a large share of the year's income for traders.