CNN Central News & Networks / ITDC India ePress / ITDC News /Agencies/ Delhi: New Delhi. Political debate has intensified over the I.N.D.I.A. alliance’s proposed mega rally at Ramlila Maidan in Delhi on November 1. Amid the busy Diwali shopping season, traders have appealed to Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi to change the date of the rally. Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) chairman Brijesh Goyal has written to Rahul Gandhi seeking 20 minutes for a meeting. Traders say that if Rahul Gandhi explains how a crowd of 10 lakh people will increase business and customer footfall, they will withdraw their opposition and welcome the rally.
Fears of impact on business in 20 markets
According to CTI, traders in about 20 major markets located within a radius of one to five kilometres from Ramlila Maidan fear disruption because of the rally. These include several large commercial areas such as Chandni Chowk, Sadar Bazaar, Khari Baoli, Bhagirath Palace, Chawri Bazar, Kashmiri Gate, Karol Bagh, Daryaganj, Nai Sarak and Lajpat Rai Market.
The traders’ organisation says possible barricading, road closures and traffic restrictions on October 31 and November 1 could affect customer movement. This may create obstacles in reaching shops, transporting goods and conducting wholesale trade.
Estimate of 10 lakh people and thousands of vehicles
The traders’ organisation has estimated that around 10 lakh people may attend the rally. For such a large crowd, 15,000 to 20,000 vehicles are expected to reach Delhi. CTI claims this could increase traffic pressure on the narrow markets of Old Delhi and nearby roads.
The organisation has suggested holding the rally after Diwali, fixing a date after November 10 or, if needed, organising it at another large ground. CTI has also expressed concern over possible business losses, although the actual loss would depend on the size of the rally and traffic arrangements.
Traders propose dialogue
In his letter, Brijesh Goyal said the traders’ objective is not confrontation but finding a solution through dialogue. He proposed that representatives of affected markets place their concerns before Rahul Gandhi during the meeting. If Rahul Gandhi assures traders that the rally will benefit business, the organisation is ready to withdraw its opposition. On the other hand, if the traders’ position is accepted, they are demanding that the rally be held after Diwali.
The proposed I.N.D.I.A. alliance rally is aimed at intensifying protest against the central government over alleged irregularities in the electoral process and the issue of “vote theft”. The question of maintaining commercial activity during the festival season has now also come to the centre of discussion alongside this political programme.
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