Congress Rally in Delhi Threatens Business Activity, Claims Chamber of Trade and Industry

New Delhi, November 1 (Daily Kiran) : The Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) has expressed grave concerns over the potential impact of the upcoming Congress rally at Ramleela Maidan on Delhi’s businesses. In a letter addressed to Rahul Gandhi, the leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha, the CTI highlighted that while Gandhi has encouraged attendees to shop in local markets to support traders, the reality on the ground is quite different.

CTI Chairman Brijesh Goyal stated that the rally has already created panic among local businesses. He noted that approximately 80% of shops in a five-kilometer radius around Ramleela Maidan are expected to remain closed, with an estimated 2.5 lakh out of 3 lakh shops likely to shut down. “If the shops are closed, where will the rally attendees go to shop?” Goyal questioned.

He also dismissed accusations that he is acting as an agent for the BJP, emphasizing that over 100 major market associations have requested the rally be postponed. “These associations are not agents of any party; they are the traders of Delhi. Their focus is on business, not politics. We are simply pleading for our livelihoods during the peak Diwali season,” he added.

The CTI identified key markets within the affected area, including Kashmiri Gate, Chandni Chowk, and Connaught Place, among others. According to Goyal, the anticipated closure of shops means that Central and South Delhi could face severe traffic congestion, disrupting transport services. “Today, transport operations within a 10-kilometer radius of Ramleela Maidan are expected to come to a standstill. Loading and unloading activities will halt, and goods will not be able to move in or out,” he explained.

He further mentioned that around 5,000 trucks and tempos typically deliver goods from 56 industrial areas to these markets daily, with an additional 3,000 trucks distributing products nationwide. “This entire supply chain is disrupted. Goods for Dhanteras are stuck in warehouses and cannot reach the shops,” Goyal said.

The CTI’s letter emphasized the urgency of the situation, as Dhanteras falls on November 6 and Diwali on November 8. November 1 is critical for preparations. If businesses remain closed and transport services are halted, the daily turnover of ₹10,000 to ₹12,000 crore could be lost, jeopardizing the livelihoods of 20 lakh traders and 75 lakh individuals.

In conclusion, the CTI reiterated its position, stating, “We are not against the rally. Hold it, but not at the expense of Diwali business for 20 markets. Rahul Gandhi, you urge people to shop, but if the markets are closed and transport is halted, where will they go?”