Traders Warn Rally May Shut 80% of Delhi Markets

The Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) has written its fourth letter to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, expressing concerns over the potential impact of an upcoming protest rally on Delhi's business environment.

The rally, scheduled for Sunday at Ramlila Maidan, is expected to lead to the closure of around 2.5 lakh shops within a 5-km radius, representing approximately 80% of businesses in the area.

The CTI stated that despite Rahul Gandhi's appeal for shoppers to support local markets, the rally has triggered widespread panic, leading to a significant drop in business activity.

The protest, organized by Opposition leaders, is part of a 'Chalo Dilli' march against alleged electoral irregularities and a demand for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

The rally will begin at noon from the Minto Road-Connaught Place junction and end at Ramlila Maidan, where a large gathering is planned from 10am to 5pm.

CTI Chairman Brijesh Goyal highlighted the potential economic impact, warning that the disruption could affect Diwali-season trade worth ₹10,000-12,000 crore and urged the Congress to protect traders' livelihoods.

The traders' body also emphasized that it is neither supporting nor opposing any political party and is merely seeking to safeguard the interests of Delhi's trading community during the peak shopping season.

In addition to concerns about business closures, the CTI raised issues related to parking and transport, stating that Ramlila Maidan does not have space to accommodate even 200 large buses and could lead to traffic congestion in Central and Old Delhi.

The traders' body also noted that most transport operations within a 10-km radius of Ramlila Maidan are likely to remain suspended, affecting the movement of goods to and from the markets.

Traders have been receiving calls from customers expressing concern over the situation. They are asking whether Delhi will face traffic jams and whether the markets will remain open. Due to the widespread panic, very few customers are expected to visit the markets.