Traders' body seeks dialogue with Congress leader over opposition rally timing

The Confederation of Trade and Industry (CTI) has renewed its appeal to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, seeking an audience to address concerns surrounding the opposition alliance's planned November 1 rally. In a letter to Mr. Gandhi, CTI chairman Brijesh Goyal noted that representatives from 20 markets across the region wish to engage with the Congress leadership on the matter. The traders' body is reportedly concerned that the mass gathering could disrupt commercial activities during a critical period leading up to Deepavali, one of India's most significant shopping and trading seasons. The confederation has emphasized that the timing of the rally poses particular challenges for small and medium enterprises that depend heavily on the festive season for their annual revenue. This marks the second communication from CTI to Mr. Gandhi on the issue, underscoring the traders' persistence in seeking dialogue with the opposition coalition on the scheduling of their political mobilization.