CTI Urges Rahul Gandhi to Delay November Rally to Protect Diwali Business

The Chamber of Trade and Industry has appealed to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to delay the upcoming rally scheduled for November 1 in Delhi. They warn that the event could disrupt business activities worth ₹10,000 crore during the peak Diwali shopping season. With significant financial transactions expected around Dhanteras and Diwali, the CTI emphasizes the potential negative impact on local markets. They also highlight previous losses incurred by traders due to recent protests and urge political parties to avoid large gatherings in commercial areas during this critical time. The rally is part of a broader opposition effort addressing electoral concerns.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 24, 2026, 11:33 IST

Concerns Over Business Disruption During Diwali

File image of Rahul Gandhi atop police barricades after being stopped by security personnel during a protest march. (Photo:PTI)

New Delhi, Oct 24: The Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) has requested Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to consider postponing the INDIA bloc's rally scheduled for November 1 at Delhi's Ramlila Maidan. They warn that this event could potentially disrupt business activities worth ₹10,000 crore during the crucial Diwali shopping period.

In a correspondence addressed to Gandhi, who serves as the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, CTI chairman Brijesh Goyal highlighted that the rally might negatively impact both wholesale and retail markets surrounding Ramlila Maidan, especially as traders anticipate a surge in customer traffic leading up to Dhanteras and Diwali.

Goyal noted that Delhi typically sees business transactions amounting to approximately ₹25,000 crore across various sectors, including gold and silver, electronics, clothing, utensils, dry fruits, sweets, automobiles, real estate, and gift items during Dhanteras, which falls on November 6 this year.

Diwali celebrations are set for November 8, followed by Bhai Dooj on November 10.

The CTI also pointed out that there are around 20 wholesale and retail markets within a five-kilometer radius of Ramlila Maidan, such as Chandni Chowk, Sadar Bazar, Chawri Bazar, Bhagirath Palace, Khari Baoli, Kashmere Gate, Nai Sarak, Mori Gate, Kinari Bazar, Dariba, Daryaganj, Ajmeri Gate, Jama Masjid, Karol Bagh, and Azad Market.

According to the CTI's evaluation, traders in Delhi have already incurred losses of about ₹3,000 crore in October due to various rallies, marches, and road closures in areas like Connaught Place, India Gate, and central Delhi.

These markets are vital for supplying goods across the nation, and the anticipated traffic diversions, barricading, and potential restrictions on public transport during the rally could severely hinder business operations, as stated by the CTI.

Goyal expressed worries regarding the inconvenience that traders and customers traveling to Delhi from other states via the Old Delhi and New Delhi railway stations might face.

While recognizing the importance of peaceful protests and democratic expression, the CTI urged political parties to refrain from organizing large rallies in significant commercial areas until after the festival season.

The upcoming Opposition rally aims to increase pressure on the government regarding the "vote chori" issue and to call for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

On October 12, protests concerning the "vote theft" allegations reached the Supreme Court, with opposition leaders, activists, and civil society members participating in a “March for Democracy” along a heavily barricaded route in Delhi, filing a joint petition against the SIR.