Delhi traders flag potential impact on 21 markets from November 1 Congress rally, seek postponement

27 Oct 2026, 07:41 AM 5 min read

Delhi traders flag potential impact on 21 markets from November 1 Congress rally, seek postponement left The CTI said the narrow lanes of Old Delhi, many of which are only 10 to 12 feet wide, could face severe congestion if vehicles entered the area, with a single truck getting stuck potentially causing traffic jams lasting several hours. Sushil Kumar Verma Sushil Kumar Verma SUSHIL KUMAR VERMA Visitors at busy Chandni Chowk Market as the preparation is in full swing at Historic Red Fort, the fort is closed to the public from July 15 through August 15, 2026, for strict security and stage setups.

The Archaeological Survey of India ordered this shutdown so officials can prepare for the Prime Minister's national address and flag hoisting on Independence Day, in New Delhi on Saturday, August 8, 2026. Photo: Sushil Kumar Verma/The Hindu It projected that the November 1 rally could bring commercial activity across Old Delhi to a standstill, resulting in losses of up to ₹10,000 crore New Delhi The proposed Congress rally at Ramlila Maidan on November 1 could disrupt business in 21 major wholesale and retail markets in Delhi, including Chandni Chowk, Sadar Bazaar, Khari Baoli and Bhagirath Palace, during the peak festive season, traders' body CTI has claimed.

The Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) has written to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, demanding that the proposed rally, for which the party has claimed a turnout of 10 lakh people, be postponed until November 10, after Bhai Dooj, or shifted to an alternative venue away from commercial areas. ‘Desist from targeting Hindu festivals, economy’: VHP to Opposition over November 1 rally ‘Desist from targeting Hindu festivals, economy’: VHP to Opposition over November 1 rally The remarks came a day after traders held a protest at Kashmere Gate in New Delhi, demanding that Congress defer the November 1 rally until after Diwali.

‘Desist from targeting Hindu festivals, economy’: VHP to Opposition over November 1 rally storyline 1 CTI chairman Brijesh Goyal said a copy of the letter had also been sent to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, urging him to discuss the matter with alliance partners. Mr. Goyal said traders were worried about possible barricading and road closures on October 31 and November 1 and whether customers would be able to reach shops during the crucial festive shopping period.

According to the CTI, a gathering of 10 lakh people could bring 15,000 to 20,000 vehicles into Delhi, including 10,000 to 12,000 buses and 5,000 to 7,000 smaller vehicles such as cars, minibuses and tempo travellers. Tell Modi to sack Gyanesh Kumar, protests will stop in 30 seconds: Rahul to traders Tell Modi to sack Gyanesh Kumar, protests will stop in 30 seconds: Rahul to traders The Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) has urged Mr.

Gandhi to postpone the INDIA bloc's November 1 rally at Delhi's Ramlila Maidan until after November 10, warning that it could disrupt business worth ₹10,000 crore during the peak Diwali shopping season Tell Modi to sack Gyanesh Kumar, protests will stop in 30 seconds: Rahul to traders storyline 1 The traders' body questioned where these vehicles would be parked, claiming that there was no authorised parking facility for even 200 vehicles in the immediate vicinity of Ramlila Maidan.

The 21 markets identified by the CTI as potentially affected include Chandni Chowk, Bhagirath Palace, Khari Baoli, Sadar Bazaar, Chawri Bazaar, Kashmere Gate, Nabi Karim, Karol Bagh, Ajmeri Gate, Daryaganj, Nai Sarak, Kinari Bazaar, Dariba Kalan, Fatehpuri, Lahori Gate, Filmistan, Paharganj, Gaffar Market, Jama Masjid, Lajpat Rai Market and Naya Bazaar. The CTI said the narrow lanes of Old Delhi, many of which are only 10 to 12 feet wide, could face severe congestion if vehicles entered the area, with a single truck getting stuck potentially causing traffic jams lasting several hours.

CTI urges Rahul Gandhi to defer Nov 1 INDIA bloc rally, warns of ₹10,000 crore trade loss CTI urges Rahul Gandhi to defer Nov 1 INDIA bloc rally, warns of ₹10,000 crore trade loss CTI chairman Brijesh Goyal said the rally could affect wholesale and retail markets around Ramlila Maidan at a time when traders expect heavy customer footfall ahead of Dhanteras and Deepavali CTI urges Rahul Gandhi to defer Nov 1 INDIA bloc rally, warns of ₹10,000 crore trade loss storyline 1 Citing an event at Jantar Mantar on October 10, the organisation claimed that a gathering of around 3,000 to 4,000 people had disrupted movement across central Delhi and caused traders losses of ₹3,000 crore.

It projected that the November 1 rally could bring commercial activity across Old Delhi to a standstill, resulting in losses of up to ₹10,000 crore. The CTI has suggested that if the rally cannot be postponed, it should be shifted to Burari Ground or Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium to minimise the impact on businesses.