The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) has written a strongly worded letter to Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, holding him and the Indian National Congress politically and morally responsible for repeated disruptions to trade and business in New Delhi caused by political rallies, sit-ins, and protests over the past month. The letter, issued on 5 November 2026, specifically flags the Congress-organised rally on 1 November and the party's support for several other demonstrations — all of which CAIT says have inflicted severe economic losses on traders during the peak festive and wedding shopping season.

Key Demands and Allegations

CAIT National President B.C. Bhartia accused Gandhi of maintaining contradictory positions: publicly urging citizens to patronise local markets while simultaneously backing political events that physically prevent customers from reaching those very markets. 'Mr Rahul Gandhi cannot hold two contradictory positions simultaneously. On one hand, he urges people to shop in local markets, while on the other, he supports political events and demonstrations that prevent customers from reaching those very markets. This is not merely a political contradiction; it is a double standard that directly undermines the livelihoods of ordinary traders,' Bhartia stated in the letter.

Bhartia invoked Article 19(1)(g) of the Constitution — which guarantees every citizen the right to practise any profession, trade, or business — arguing that political leaders cannot 'selectively invoke constitutional provisions' to protect the right to protest while disregarding the right to earn a livelihood.

Traders Announce 'Dhikkar Diwas'

CAIT announced it will observe a 'Dhikkar Diwas' (Day of Condemnation) across the country, the exact date of which will be decided at a national meeting of business leaders in New Delhi to be convened immediately after Diwali. The traders' body said it would wait for a response from Gandhi before escalating further, but made clear that inaction would not be tolerated. 'This is no longer an issue confined solely to the traders of Delhi — if such a situation can arise in the national capital today, it could just as easily occur in any other city in the country,' CAIT said in its statement.

Accountability and Compensation Questions

The letter posed pointed questions to Gandhi and the Congress, asking who would compensate traders and working-class families for economic losses sustained during the protests, and whether the party's political framework had any mechanism for organisers of disruptive demonstrations to accept financial responsibility. 'Is there any mechanism within the Congress party's political framework where the organisers and supporters of disruptive protests accept responsibility for the economic losses caused by their actions? Or has it become acceptable to sacrifice the livelihoods of ordinary citizens for the sake of a political show of strength?' Bhartia asked.

Delhi as a National Commercial Hub

Bhartia underscored that Delhi is not merely a political arena but a critical commercial and economic engine — one whose markets form the livelihood backbone for millions of traders, shopkeepers, street vendors, and daily-wage workers. 'The nation's traders are not punching bags for anyone's political struggle. They are the backbone of the domestic economy, a key driver of job creation, and partners in nation-building,' he said. This comes amid heightened sensitivity over the festive and wedding season, traditionally the highest-revenue period of the year for retail traders across the country.

What Happens Next

CAIT said it will await Gandhi's response before its post-Diwali national meeting in Delhi, at which the date for the nationwide 'Dhikkar Diwas' will be finalised. The traders' body has framed this as a national issue, warning that disruptions of this nature could set a precedent for other cities if left unaddressed. The Congress party had not publicly responded to the letter at the time of publication.