Politics · India Bureau
INDIA bloc rally won't harm traders, Rahul Gandhi assures Delhi shoppers
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has urged the hundreds of thousands expected to attend the opposition alliance's Delhi rally on Sunday to shop and support local traders ahead of Diwali, dismissing BJP claims that the protest will disrupt businesses.
LSN India ·
Gandhi issued the appeal in a video statement on Saturday as the INDIA bloc prepared for a major march and rally at Ramlila Maidan to protest alleged electoral irregularities. He sought to reassure merchants in the national capital that the opposition's gathering would not cause commercial harm despite warnings being circulated by the ruling BJP.
"It is the festive season with Diwali, Chhath and Bhai Dooj approaching," Gandhi said, addressing the large crowds expected to arrive in Delhi from across the country. "I urge the lakhs of people coming here to support our local traders alongside joining our march and rally."
The Congress leader called on participants to combine their political participation with shopping, framing consumer activity as a concrete way to bolster Delhi's business community during a crucial commercial period. He characterised BJP messaging about potential business disruption as fear-driven scaremongering.
"I know our rally will not hurt traders. The BJP is spreading rumours because it is scared," Gandhi stated, emphasising that the opposition could both protest effectively and contribute positively to the local economy simultaneously.