The Chamber of Trade & Industry (CTI) has formally requested Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi to move the INDIA bloc's November 1 'Vote Chori' rally from Ramlila Maidan to a post-Bhai Dooj date. The letter, dated October 24, warns that traffic restrictions, barricading, and metro closures could strangle Delhi's economy during its busiest commercial week.
The stakes are high. CTI estimates that a ₹25,000 crore trade cycle kicks off a week before Dhanteras, which falls on November 6 this year. The letter details that shoppers buy gold, electronics, and dry fruits well in advance, meaning any disruption on November 1 will ripple through the entire festive period. "This trade is a lifeline for Delhi's economy," the letter stated.
CTI is not just projecting future losses. The body claims traders have already lost approximately ₹3,000 crore in October due to continuous rallies and road closures in central Delhi, specifically around Connaught Place and India Gate. The letter notes that wholesale goods are failing to arrive and customers cannot reach retail outlets, citing an internal assessment by the trade body.
The geography of the rally poses specific risks. Within a five-kilometer radius of Ramlila Maidan sit 20 historic markets, including Chandni Chowk, Sadar Bazaar, and Bhagirath Palace. These hubs supply goods across India. The proximity of Old Delhi and New Delhi railway stations exacerbates the issue, as CTI warns that road closures will discourage outstation traders and shoppers from entering the capital.
Despite the appeal, Congress leadership is pressing ahead with aggressive mobilization. General Secretaries Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and K C Venugopal met with UP and Haryana leaders at AICC headquarters on Friday to review logistics for the march, which Venugopal described as the culmination of the 'Delhi Chalo' movement. Venugopal projected a turnout of at least 1 million citizens, calling the event a historic counter to what he termed "criminal vote chori."
The rally is scheduled to proceed as planned unless Gandhi agrees to the CTI's request. Congress has not yet responded to the trade body's letter, but the party's focus remains on the narrative of electoral irregularities. If the event goes ahead on November 1, traders in the 20 affected markets will face their most significant disruption in recent memory, potentially setting the tone for a difficult Q4.