World · India Bureau
Delhi traders report massive disruption as 2.5 lakh shops close
Business groups have written to Congress leaders over severe commercial disruption in Delhi, claiming 80 percent business decline and widespread shop closures following a major rally at Ramlila Grounds.
LSN India ·

The Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) has escalated concerns over the impact of a November 1 rally at Ramlila Grounds in Delhi, writing its fourth letter to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi regarding unprecedented commercial disruption in the capital.
According to CTI, approximately 2.5 lakh retail establishments remained shuttered due to the event, with transportation services completely halted within a 10-kilometer radius of the venue. The traders' body reported an 80 percent decline in overall business activity as a direct consequence of the rally.
The repeated correspondence underscores growing frustration among Delhi's merchant community over the economic fallout from large public gatherings. CTI's formal complaints highlight the cascading effects of such events on the city's retail sector, logistics networks, and consumer-facing businesses.
The situation reflects broader tensions between political mobilization activities and commercial interests in densely populated urban centers, with traders seeking intervention from political leadership to mitigate economic losses.