Rahul Gandhi’s X post on October 26 left no room for compromise – he asserted that the protest would proceed on November 1, right in the heart of Diwali shopping, and added that the march could be halted in "30 seconds" only if Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar was sacked.
The Chamber of Trade and Industry, led by Brijesh Goyal, had already sent a detailed letter pleading for a post‑Diwali date, citing that 15 000 to 20 000 buses and a crowd of 10 lakh would choke the capital.
Traders from Chandni Chowk, Khari Baoli, and Karol Bagh warn that the earlier Jantar Mantar rally of 3 000–4 000 people cost them ₹3 000 crore, and a 10 lakh turnout could wipe out Old Delhi’s business for another ₹10 000 crore.
The CTI proposes relocating the rally to Burari Grounds or Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, where market traffic would be less affected, and urges the Congress to reconsider the venue before the rally day.
The opposition’s next move will likely involve a formal debate in the Delhi Legislative Assembly, where the decision on venue or postponement will be voted.