The Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) has formally appealed to Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi to postpone the INDIA bloc’s scheduled anti-SIR protest rally at Ramlila Maidan on November 1. Traders warn that holding a major political demonstration during peak Diwali shopping weeks could trigger a staggering ₹10,000 crore business loss.
Concerns Over Peak Festive Business and Wholesale Hubs
In a letter addressed to Gandhi, CTI Chairman Brijesh Goyal emphasized that Delhi typically generates around ₹25,000 crore in economic activity between Dhanteras and Bhai Dooj, serving as the financial backbone of the Capital’s trading sector. Goyal pointed out that major wholesale and retail markets—including Chandni Chowk, Sadar Bazar, Kashmiri Gate, Jama Masjid, Jhandewalan, and Karol Bagh—sit within a 5-kilometer radius of Ramlila Maidan.
Traffic diversions, heavy security barricades, and potential metro station closures associated with the rally would severely restrict customer footfall and impede the transport of goods from outside Delhi. Furthermore, traders noted they already suffered up to ₹3,000 crore in losses during October due to frequent road closures and demonstrations in areas like Connaught Place and India Gate.
Proximity to Railway Stations and Supreme Court Observations
The CTI letter also highlighted the close proximity of Old Delhi and New Delhi railway stations to the rally site, warning that route closures and heavy holiday crowding would cause severe hardship for out-of-town buyers and travelers.
The appeal follows ongoing legal scrutiny regarding political demonstrations in the Capital. During an October 16 hearing, the Supreme Court—presided over by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi—warned that the court would invoke its constitutional tort jurisdiction to award compensation if protests disproportionately disrupt traders and daily-wage earners from earning their livelihoods.
While acknowledging the democratic right to peaceful assembly, the CTI urged political parties to reschedule demonstrations planned during the critical lead-up to Dhanteras (November 6), Diwali (November 8), and Bhai Dooj (November 10).
