The Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI), a leading body representing traders and entrepreneurs in Delhi, has written to Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi urging him to postpone the Congress party's proposed mega rally at Ramlila Maidan on 1 November 2026 to a date after 10 November. The trade body warned that the event could disrupt business worth up to ₹10,000 crore during the peak Diwali shopping season.

Key Concerns Raised by CTI

CTI Chairman Brijesh Goyal said in his letter that traffic diversions, road barricading, Metro restrictions and large crowds during a single-day rally could extend disruptions across three to four days of commercial activity. He pointed out that Delhi's major wholesale and retail markets lie within roughly a five-kilometre radius of Ramlila Maidan, making any large-scale event in that area a direct threat to festive trade.

Goyal argued that the impact would not be contained to the rally day itself, as buyer footfall, goods movement and outstation traders' travel plans could all be affected in the run-up to and aftermath of the event.

Scale of Festive Trade at Stake

Dhanteras falls on 6 November this year, followed by Diwali on 8 November and Bhai Dooj on 10 November. CTI noted that consumers typically begin purchasing goods nearly a week before Dhanteras, making the entire first fortnight of November critical for businesses city-wide.

According to the organisation, Delhi alone is expected to record business worth approximately ₹25,000 crore on Dhanteras across sectors including gold and silver, electronics, textiles, automobiles, utensils, dry fruits, sweets, property and gift items. The rally's proximity to this window, CTI argued, poses a substantial financial risk to the capital's trading community.

Markets That Could Be Affected

CTI highlighted that several of Delhi's most prominent commercial hubs fall within the five-kilometre zone around Ramlila Maidan. These include Chandni Chowk, Sadar Bazaar, Chawri Bazaar, Bhagirath Palace, Khari Baoli, Kashmere Gate, Karol Bagh, Daryaganj, Jama Masjid, Ajmeri Gate, Dariba, Kinari Bazaar, Lajpat Rai Market and Azad Market, among others.

The organisation noted that these markets supply goods to buyers across India and are integral to both Delhi's wholesale and retail economy. It also raised concerns about the proximity of Old Delhi Railway Station and New Delhi Railway Station to the venue, warning that road restrictions could discourage outstation buyers from travelling to the capital during the festive period.

Prior Losses and Broader Appeal

CTI further claimed that traders in Delhi had already incurred estimated losses of around ₹3,000 crore during October 2026 due to repeated rallies, marches and road closures in areas including Connaught Place, India Gate and central Delhi.

While explicitly acknowledging the democratic right to peaceful protest, Goyal stressed that the organisation was not questioning the Congress party's right to hold political events. Rather, CTI appealed to all political parties to avoid scheduling large rallies in Delhi's major market areas until after Bhai Dooj on 10 November. The trade body expressed hope that Gandhi and the Congress leadership would take the trading community's concerns into account and consider rescheduling the event.