Delhi Traders Urge Rahul Gandhi to Postpone November Rally Ahead of Diwali
Ahead of Diwali, Delhi traders ask Rahul Gandhi to delay his rally, fearing disruption to their businesses during peak season.
New Delhi, October 31 (Daily Kiran) : Traders in New Delhi are expressing their frustration as Diwali approaches. The Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) has appealed to Rahul Gandhi to postpone his proposed rally on November 1, fearing it will disrupt their businesses during the festive season.
In their appeal, the CTI stated, “You (Rahul Gandhi) often say, ‘I run a shop of love in the market of hate.’ Our shops also thrive on mutual trust, love, and affection with customers. Therefore, we request you not to sacrifice our shops and business for the rally during India’s biggest festival, Diwali.”
CTI Chairman Brijesh Goyal emphasized that the posters they are putting up serve as a reflection for Gandhi. “You speak of opening a shop of love during the Bharat Jodo Yatra, yet our 300-year-old shops in Delhi are being forced to close due to your rally. The famous paratha shop in Chandni Chowk, spices from Khari Baoli, bangles from Sadar, lehengas from Chandni Chowk, ACs from Daryaganj, sanitary products from Chawri Bazar, and the renowned kulfi from Karol Bagh are all shops of love. Each shop supports 10-20 families,” he explained.
The traders’ organization announced that starting Saturday, they will display these posters in 20 major wholesale markets within a 5-kilometer radius of the Ramlila Maidan. The CTI noted, “These markets surround Ramlila Maidan. With 10 lakh people and 20,000 vehicles expected, these 20 markets will be the first to face closures.”
Goyal further stated that holding a rally just four days before Dhanteras would create chaos. “Imagine what will happen? Traffic jams across Delhi with 20,000 vehicles, no parking for 100 buses at Ramlila Maidan, and a loss of 10-12 thousand crores in Diwali business for 20 lakh traders, putting the livelihoods of 75 lakh people at risk.”
