The Chamber of Trade and Industry has urged Rahul Gandhi to postpone the planned November 1 protest rally at Ramlila Maidan until after the peak Diwali shopping season, citing potential business losses worth ₹10,000 crore and severe traffic disruptions in major Delhi markets.

The Chamber of Trade and Industry has urged Rahul Gandhi to postpone the planned November 1 protest rally at Ramlila Maidan until after the peak Diwali shopping season, citing potential business losses worth ₹10,000 crore and severe traffic disruptions in major Delhi markets.

The Chamber of Trade and Industry has urged Rahul Gandhi to postpone the planned November 1 protest rally at Ramlila Maidan until after the peak Diwali shopping season, citing potential business losses worth ₹10,000 crore and severe traffic disruptions in major Delhi markets.

Reiterating its demand to postpone the Nov. 1 protest rally at Ramlila Maidan, the Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) has written again to the Leader of the Opposition, Rahul Gandhi. The traders' body urged the Opposition to hold the demonstration after Nov. 10, following the peak festive shopping season.

A detailed letter has been written to Gandhi by CTI chairman Brijesh Goyal requesting him to reconsider the date, with over 10 lakh people expected to participate. 

The traders' body has also sent a copy of the letter to Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, urging him to discuss the matter with the allied parties. 

Rahul Gandhi's post on X made it clear that he intends to proceed with the rally as planned in the middle of the peak Diwali shopping season. 

Traders in over 20 major markets surrounding Ramlila Maidan have expressed deep concern over the road and shop closures in the wake of the protest. 

"To every trader in Delhi: We love you and hear you. The government shut the metro, sealed our roads and locked down our capital. With a stolen vote, nothing is safe...Tell Modi to sack accused no. 4, Gyanesh Kumar, and the protests will stop in 30 seconds," Gandhi said on Monday. 

Traders fear that security and traffic restrictions in the national capital due to the rally could severely hamper festive sales.

"Will barricades be set up as early as October 31st, and will roads be closed off? Will shops be able to open on October 31 and November 1, and will customers be able to reach them?" the traders' body has asked.

It is estimated that 15,000 to 20,000 buses may arrive carrying 10 lakh protesters, apart from private cars of the political leaders.

CTI pointed out that Ramlila Maidan is surrounded by some of Delhi's largest wholesale and retail markets. Businesses in markets including Chandni Chowk, Bhagirath Palace, Khari Baoli, Sadar Bazar, Chawri Bazar, Kashmere Gate, and Karol Bagh are likely to be affected. 

According to the traders' body, the protest rally would bring all business in Old Delhi to a complete standstill, resulting in a loss of ₹ 10,000 crore. 

They also suggested that if the rally cannot be postponed, it should be shifted to another venue such as Burari Grounds or Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.  

The mega protest is being held seeking the resignation of CEC Gyanesh Kumar over 'vote chori' allegations amid the SIR of electoral rolls. 

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