CNN Central News & Networks / ITDC India ePress / ITDC News /Agencies/ Delhi: New Delhi. Ahead of Diwali, traders in Delhi have expressed concern over the INDIA alliance’s proposed mega rally at Ramlila Maidan on November 1. The traders’ organisation Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) has appealed to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to postpone the rally, saying traders’ “shops of love” should not be shut in the market of politics. The organisation says that a large rally during the busy festive business season could affect customer movement and trade in the markets.
CTI chairman Brijesh Goyal referred to Rahul Gandhi’s remark about a “shop of love in a market of hatred” and said Delhi’s traditional markets also run on mutual trust, affection and confidence with customers. He cited the examples of paratha shops in Chandni Chowk, the spice trade in Khari Baoli, bangle and bindi shops in Sadar Bazaar, the sanitary trade in Chawri Bazaar and kulfi shops in Karol Bagh. According to him, the livelihood of families of 10 to 20 people is linked to a single shop.
The organisation has claimed that around 10 lakh people and 15,000 to 20,000 vehicles are expected to reach the rally. It said this could affect traffic and business activity in 20 major markets located around Ramlila Maidan. CTI has expressed apprehension that trade worth Rs 10,000 crore to Rs 12,000 crore could be affected. This figure is the organisation’s estimate, not a loss confirmed by any independent agency.
CTI has also announced that it will put up awareness posters in markets falling within a five-kilometre radius of Ramlila Maidan. The organisation has requested Rahul Gandhi and other INDIA alliance leaders to consider holding the rally after Diwali or changing the venue.
Traders say they are not opposing the rally, but are seeking to protect their livelihood and market activity from being affected during the important festive business period.
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