The party’s planned gathering at Ramlila Maidan has raised concerns about access to markets and festive-season movement.
NEW DELHI The Congress party plans to proceed with its ‘Vote Bachao, Desh Bachao’ rally at Ramlila Maidan on November 1, despite calls from traders to hold the event after the busy festive period. The decision brings the party’s campaign on electoral accountability into focus alongside concerns about business activity and congestion in central Delhi.
The Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI), led by chairman Brijesh Goyal, wrote to Rahul Gandhi on October 24 requesting that the rally be postponed until after November 10. The association warned that barricades, traffic diversions and possible transport restrictions could make it harder for customers to reach markets and for businesses to move goods during the period around Dhanteras and Diwali.
CTI estimated that disruptions could put about ₹10,000 crore in trade at risk. This is the association’s estimate rather than a verified calculation of losses. Rahul Gandhi acknowledged the traders’ concerns but linked the rally to Congress’s broader campaign over alleged electoral irregularities and its demand for accountability from the Election Commission.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge had earlier said the request would be discussed, but the party subsequently confirmed that the event would go ahead as planned. The gathering is expected to feature criticism of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and concerns about the way elections are administered. These are the party’s stated positions, while allegations of wrongdoing remain disputed.
The decision leaves authorities and organisers with the task of limiting disruption for traders, shoppers and commuters. Timely information about security arrangements, road closures and alternative routes could help maintain access to commercial areas during the festive rush.