Business Groups Urge Rahul Gandhi to Halt Protests Impacting Trade During Festival Season

New Delhi, October 14 (Daily Kiran) : Several business organizations in New Delhi have voiced their concerns over the ongoing protests led by opposition leader Rahul Gandhi and other parties. They argue that these political demonstrations are jeopardizing the livelihoods of traders across multiple states.

Groups such as the Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, New Delhi Traders Association, and several others have sent letters and emails to Gandhi, expressing their worries. They are particularly concerned about the impact of protests against the Election Commission and the Special Intensive Review (SIR) on business activities during the festive season.

In a video message, Sirajuddin Elathodi, a member of the National Trader Welfare Board, appealed to Gandhi to reconsider the protests. He highlighted that many traders depend heavily on sales during the festival season. “These protests are adversely affecting our businesses. We urge you to withdraw such demonstrations,” he stated.

Ajay Gupta, another board member, echoed this sentiment, asking Gandhi to stop the protests and consider the difficulties faced by the business community.

Ghanshyam Das Goyal from the Delhi Pulses and Besan Millers Association lamented on social media, “It is unfortunate that your protests are putting traders’ livelihoods at risk. How is it appropriate to gamble with our income in the name of political opposition?”

He further emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting that the ongoing Navratri festival and the upcoming Diwali celebrations are critical for business. “Your protests are causing people to avoid coming to Delhi for purchases, severely impacting small traders,” he added.

Prakash Pirgal from the Bangalore Ulsoor Clock Merchant Association also reached out to Gandhi, stressing the challenges that traders are facing with road closures and blocked routes. “We request you to resolve this issue through dialogue rather than disrupting our festive sales,” he urged.

The Congress-led INDIA alliance and the Cockroach People’s Party (CJP) have been staging protests nationwide against alleged irregularities in the voter list‘s Special Intensive Review. They are demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

While opposition leaders accuse the Election Commission of misconduct, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) defends the process, claiming that the Congress is politicizing the issue.

As protests continue, security measures have been implemented in various locations, leading to market closures and blocked roads, thus disrupting both movement and business activities. This has heightened concerns among traders.