Delhi Traders Urge Rahul Gandhi to Postpone Ramlila Maidan Rally

Delhi's leading trade body has appealed to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to postpone a massive opposition rally planned for November 1 at Ramlila Maidan, citing fears of severe traffic gridlock and disruption to festival sales.

The Chamber of Trade and Industry has requested that all protests in the national capital be suspended until after Deepavali, specifically urging that the upcoming gathering be delayed until at least November 10 to protect the livelihoods of approximately 15 lakh traders. The opposition alliance claims the event will draw over a million attendees and 20,000 vehicles.

Billed as a major show of strength, the rally is part of a campaign demanding the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Gandhi recently stated that the demonstration could be halted in just 30 seconds if the Prime Minister dismissed the election chief.

Highlighting the potential for commercial disruption, the traders' organisation has offered to drop its objections if Gandhi can convince 20 traders from 20 markets during a 20-minute meeting that the gathering will benefit local businesses. The commercial concerns have also been echoed by the Vishva Hindu Parishad, which criticised the opposition bloc for plotting to disrupt the festive season.