New Delhi/Alive News: The Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) has urged Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to postpone the INDIA bloc’s anti-SIR rally scheduled for November 1 at Ramlila Maidan in Delhi, warning that it could cause trade losses of up to ₹10,000 crore during the festive season.
In a letter sent on Saturday, the traders’ body requested that the rally be held after November 10. It cited concerns over traffic restrictions, barricading and disruption to commercial activities during the peak shopping period.
The INDIA bloc plans to hold the rally to protest against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Traders Fear Disruption to Festive Sales
According to CTI, Delhi records business worth around ₹25,000 crore during Dhanteras, Diwali and Bhai Dooj. The organisation claimed that protests and road closures had already caused losses of around ₹3,000 crore to traders in October.
The traders’ body warned that traffic diversions could affect major commercial areas, including Chandni Chowk, Sadar Bazaar and Connaught Place. It also raised concerns about customers and traders travelling from outside Delhi, particularly because the New Delhi and Old Delhi railway stations are located nearby.
The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) said eight major markets within a 5-km radius of Ramlila Maidan recorded festive sales worth ₹75,000 crore in 2025.
Old Delhi Markets Could Be Affected
Traders said Chandni Chowk has more than 75,000 shops, while Sadar Bazaar has between 15,000 and 40,000 shops. Chawri Bazaar, a major paper-trading hub, has more than 1,000 traders, according to figures cited by the traders’ body.
They fear that movement restrictions could affect customer footfall and the transportation of goods during one of the busiest shopping periods of the year.
INDIA Bloc’s Protests Over SIR
INDIA bloc leaders held eight protests between October 6 and 13 over the SIR exercise and their demand for Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation. CTI has urged Rahul Gandhi to reschedule the November 1 rally to avoid disrupting Delhi’s festive-season trade.
