Delhi traders seek postponement of Congress rally citing Diwali season disruptions

The Confederation of Trade and Industry (CTI) has formally requested that the Congress party postpone its planned November 1 gathering at Ramlila Maidan, citing concerns over potential economic losses to traders across the capital. The rally's timing coincides with the critical pre-Diwali purchasing period, when footfall in major markets typically surges.

According to the CTI, traffic restrictions associated with the political event could disrupt commerce in approximately 20 prominent markets across Delhi. The trader body warned that such disruptions during the festive shopping season could result in significant revenue losses for retailers who depend heavily on November sales to meet year-end targets.

The confederation has emphasized that while it respects democratic participation, the scheduling of large-scale events during peak commercial periods poses a substantial risk to the livelihoods of thousands of small and medium-sized businesses. The traders have appealed to the Congress party leadership to consider an alternative date that would not coincide with the crucial Diwali retail window.

The appeal underscores ongoing tensions between organizing large public gatherings and managing commercial interests in Delhi's densely populated market areas. The Congress party's response to the postponement request remains pending.