INDIA bloc protest on Nov 1: Will Opposition alliance change date after traders' appeal?

New Delhi: Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday (October 26) said that the INDIA bloc would consider a request from Delhi's traders to reschedule its November 1 rally at Ramlila Maidan, as the business community warned that the event could disrupt sales during the festive shopping season.

Speaking to reporters in Patna, he said the Opposition leadership would discuss the request within a day or two and seek a solution. The rally is part of the coalition’s drive across India against alleged “vote chori (vote theft)”.

“The rally is scheduled for November 1. We have received an appeal from the traders. We will think about it today or tomorrow and find a solution because what we are doing is also for the public and for them,” he said.

He emphasised that the Opposition's campaign addressed a serious issue related to voters' rights. “This issue of 'vote chori' is very serious,” he said, arguing that people must have the right to vote for businesses and students to have opportunities.

“Still, we have received their request, and we will consider it,” Kharge added.

Why Delhi traders want the rally postponed

The Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) had written to Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on October 24, urging the INDIA bloc to hold the rally after November 10. The dates cited by the trade body include Dhanteras on November 6, Diwali on November 8 and Bhai Dooj on November 10.

CTI Chairman Brijesh Goyal said that the rally could affect business during one of the busiest periods of the year. According to him, Dhanteras generates nearly Rs 25,000 crore in business in Delhi, including sales of gold, jewellery, electronics, clothing and automobiles.

The CTI also cited losses suffered by traders earlier in October because of traffic diversions in Central Delhi. It estimated that the restrictions had cost retail and wholesale businesses around Rs 3,000 crore.

Why traders fear rally disruptions

The trade body said Ramlila Maidan lies within a five-kilometre radius of nearly 20 major wholesale and retail markets. These include Chandni Chowk, Sadar Bazar, Khari Baoli, Bhagirath Palace, Chawri Bazar and Karol Bagh.

Traders fear that security barricades, traffic diversions and possible restrictions on metro services could make these markets difficult for customers to reach during the festive rush.

The CTI also drew attention to the venue's proximity to Old Delhi and New Delhi railway stations. Thousands of shoppers and wholesale traders travel to the capital from other cities during the festive season, and congestion near the stations could complicate their journeys and the movement of goods.

The organisation acknowledged the right of political parties to hold public meetings but appealed the Opposition leadership to consider the impact on small and medium-sized businesses.

It urged Gandhi to consider holding the rally after November 10, when the main festive shopping period would have passed.