BJP's Harsh Malhotra: Rahul Gandhi, Kejriwal protests hurting Delhi-Mumbai trade
Synopsis
Delhi BJP chief Harsh Malhotra has accused Rahul Gandhi and Kejriwal of running a near-daily protest campaign across Delhi and Mumbai since July — and now timing a political rally on 1 November, days before Diwali, in a move trade bodies say will cost the festive economy crores. The allegation of foreign funding, offered without evidence, raises the political temperature further.
Key Takeaways
Delhi BJP president Harsh Malhotra accused Rahul Gandhi and Kejriwal of hurting trade with near-daily protests in Delhi and Mumbai since July 2026 .
Congress has announced a political rally in Delhi on 1 November , days before Diwali , drawing opposition from trade bodies CAIT , CIT , and Delhi Vyapar Mahasangh .
Malhotra also cited distress in the Sikh community , which observes 31 October–2 November in remembrance of the 1984 anti-Sikh violence .
He alleged — without providing evidence — that foreign funding may be driving the opposition's disruptive campaign.
Malhotra appealed to Gandhi to suspend all political protests until Diwali and Bhai Dooj .
Delhi is India's second-largest commercial centre; Mumbai is the largest, according to Malhotra.
Delhi BJP president Harsh Malhotra on Sunday, 25 October 2026, accused Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) convenor Arvind Kejriwal of deliberately damaging India's trade and commerce by organising near-daily protests in Delhi and Mumbai since July 2026. Malhotra went further, raising suspicions — without providing evidence — that foreign funding was motivating the opposition's disruptive campaign.
The Rally That Sparked the Row
The immediate flashpoint is a political rally announced by Congress for 1 November in Delhi — just days before Diwali. Malhotra said the timing has provoked 'widespread anger' among the city's business community. Three major trade bodies — CIT, CAIT, and Delhi Vyapar Mahasangh — have reportedly come out against the event, citing fears of lost business worth crores of rupees during the peak festive trading season.
Malhotra also pointed to a parallel concern within the Sikh community, noting that the three days from 31 October to 2 November are observed in solemn remembrance of the 1984 anti-Sikh violence. 'It is unfortunate that Congress has neither any concern for the country's trade, nor any respect for Diwali, the biggest festival of Hindu society, nor any regard for the sentiments of the Sikh community,' he said.
The Broader Allegation: Anarchy Since July
Malhotra alleged that since July 2026, an 'opportunistic opposition alliance' — led primarily by Rahul Gandhi — has been attempting to create what he described as an atmosphere of anarchy. He accused Kejriwal of exploiting the NEET examination controversy to reclaim political relevance, and of coining the term 'Cockroach Janta Party' to carve out opposition space.
According to Malhotra, this sparked a contest between Rahul Gandhi's INDIA bloc and Kejriwal over who could position themselves as the more forceful opposition voice — a rivalry he argued was damaging democratic norms. He also named Yogendra Yadav, Prashant Bhushan, and various farmer leaders as figures who have been drawn into this contest for dominance.
Economic Stakes: Delhi and Mumbai in Focus
Malhotra underscored the economic significance of the two cities targeted by protests. Delhi, he said, is not only the national capital but also India's second-largest commercial centre, while Mumbai is the country's largest business hub. Repeated disruptions in both cities, he argued, are inflicting real damage on traders and the broader economy — particularly ahead of the festive season when commercial activity peaks.
'As the Delhi BJP President and also as a businessman, I appeal to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to accept the appeal of trade bodies CAIT, CIT and Delhi Vyapar Sangh and suspend all political protests until Diwali and Bhai Dooj,' Malhotra said.
Constitutional Charges and What Comes Next
Malhotra also levelled sharper political charges, accusing Rahul Gandhi of turning Congress into what he called 'the most anarchic party in the country' by allegedly insulting the Supreme Court and the Election Commission of India (ECI). He described Gandhi's practice of holding a copy of the Constitution while making political speeches as 'theatrics.'
Neither Congress nor AAP had responded publicly to Malhotra's remarks at the time of publishing. The 1 November rally, if it proceeds as planned, is likely to sharpen political tensions in the capital in the days leading up to Diwali.
Point of View
Raised without any supporting detail, is a rhetorical escalation rather than a factual charge, and its inclusion risks undermining the more credible economic grievance. Worth watching: whether CAIT and other trade bodies sustain their opposition to the rally independently, or whether this becomes visibly co-ordinated with BJP messaging — a distinction that will determine how credible the 'trader anger' narrative looks beyond Delhi party circles.
NationPress
25 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What has Delhi BJP chief Harsh Malhotra accused Rahul Gandhi and Kejriwal of?
Malhotra accused Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal of organising near-daily protests in Delhi and Mumbai since July 2026, which he claims are damaging trade and commerce. He also alleged, without providing evidence, that foreign funding may be motivating this campaign.
Why is the 1 November Congress rally controversial?
The rally is scheduled just days before Diwali, the peak festive trading season, prompting trade bodies CIT, CAIT, and Delhi Vyapar Mahasangh to oppose it over fears of lost business worth crores. The dates also overlap with the period from 31 October to 2 November when the Sikh community commemorates the 1984 anti-Sikh violence, adding a further layer of sensitivity.
Which trade bodies are opposing the 1 November rally?
Three major trade organisations — CAIT, CIT, and Delhi Vyapar Mahasangh — have reportedly come out against the rally, citing its timing ahead of Diwali and the disruption it could cause to festive-season commerce in Delhi.
What is the NEET controversy Malhotra referenced?
Malhotra alleged that Kejriwal exploited the NEET examination controversy — centred on alleged irregularities in the national medical entrance test — to reclaim political relevance after losing influence, using it as a launching pad to position himself as a prominent opposition figure.
Have Congress or AAP responded to Malhotra's allegations?
Neither Congress nor AAP had issued a public response to Malhotra's remarks at the time of publishing. The 1 November rally, if it proceeds as planned, is expected to sharpen political tensions in Delhi in the days leading up to Diwali.
