CNN Central News & Network-ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Delhi: New Delhi. A tussle between traders and the Congress has intensified over the INDIA alliance rally proposed at Ramlila Maidan in Delhi on November 1. Delhi traders have again written to Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, seeking a change in the rally date or a shift of the venue to another location. Traders say such a large event during the busy shopping period ahead of Diwali could affect business in markets and the movement of goods.

Fear of impact on business worth Rs 10,000 crore

Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) president Brijesh Goyal, in a letter sent to Rahul Gandhi, expressed concern that the rally could lead to traffic restrictions and affect customers’ access to markets. The organisation has also sent a copy of the letter to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and urged him to discuss the issue with allied parties.

CTI estimates that around 10 lakh people may attend the rally and that the movement of 15,000 to 20,000 vehicles could increase traffic pressure in central Delhi. The organisation has claimed this could affect business worth up to Rs 10,000 crore during the festive season. These figures are estimates by the traders’ body; the actual crowd size and economic loss have not been confirmed.

Concern among traders in Chandni Chowk and Sadar Bazar

Major wholesale and retail markets such as Chandni Chowk, Sadar Bazar, Khari Baoli, Bhagirath Palace, Chawri Bazar and Karol Bagh are located around Ramlila Maidan. Traders fear that barricading, road closures and traffic diversions could prevent customers from reaching the markets. This could also affect buyers coming from other states and the supply of goods.

Traders have suggested that if postponing the rally is not possible, the organisers should consider holding it at an alternative venue such as Burari Ground or Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge had earlier said the party would consider the traders’ demand and try to find a solution. However, the declared purpose of the rally is to register protest over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists and alleged “vote theft”. Attention is now on what decision the Congress and the INDIA alliance take on the traders’ demand and whether any change is made to the proposed November 1 programme.

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