Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Oct 25: The Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) has urged Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to postpone the INDIA bloc’s proposed November 1 rally at Ramlila Maidan until after November 10, warning that the event could cause business losses of up to Rs 10,000 crore during the crucial festive shopping season.

In a letter to Gandhi, CTI chairman Brijesh Goyal said the rally could disrupt business activities ahead of Dhanteras on November 6, Diwali on November 8 and Bhai Dooj on November 10. The traders’ body pointed out that Delhi alone records business worth around Rs 25,000 crore during Dhanteras.

The CTI claimed that traders had already suffered losses of approximately Rs 3,000 crore in October due to political rallies, marches and road closures in Connaught Place, India Gate and other parts of central Delhi.

According to the organisation, around 20 wholesale and retail markets located within a five-kilometre radius of Ramlila Maidan could be affected by traffic diversions and restrictions on public transport. These include major commercial hubs such as Chandni Chowk, Sadar Bazar, Khari Baoli and Bhagirath Palace.

With the festive season being a crucial period for traders, the CTI expressed concern that further disruptions could affect customer movement, deliveries and sales, resulting in significant financial losses for businesses.

The traders’ body appealed to political parties to avoid organising rallies and public gatherings in major commercial areas during the festive season. It urged Rahul Gandhi to reschedule the INDIA bloc rally to ensure that traders can conduct their business without disruption during one of the busiest shopping periods of the year.